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DIENAARS EN VRIENDE VAN GOD

DIENAARS EN VRIENDE VAN GOD

Het jy al ooit die wonderlike boek Servants or Friends? gelees deur A. Graham Maxwell? As jy dit nie het nie, beveel ek dit sterk aan.

Ek onthou dat ek dit ‘n paar dekades gelede gelees het, en dit het ‘n diepgaande impak op my begrip van God gemaak en my gedagtes oopgemaak vir nuwe idees en konsepte wat my gehelp het om Hom meer volledig te leer ken en te groei in begrip van sy ontwerpe en metodes.

Diegene wat ons bediening volg, weet dat ek deurgaans die verskil kontrasteer tussen menslike opgelegde wette, opgemaakte reëls wat opgelegde strawwe vereis – die wetlike manier om dinge te sien – met God se ontwerpwette, die protokolle waarop die Skepper die werklikheid gebou het om op te werk, soos die wette van gesondheid, fisika en die morele wette.

Wat my onlangs opgeval het, is dat hoewel Graham nooit die spesifieke taal van opgelegde wet teenoor ontwerpreg gebruik het nie, hy dieselfde twee wette in sy boek en leerstellings kontrasteer toe hy oor die verskil tussen bediendes en vriende gepraat het. In ‘n aanbieding getiteld Regsprobleme Tussen Vriende het Graham gesê: “Bediendes word beheer deur die wet op die muur. Vriende word deur die wet wat in hulle harte en in hulle verstand is regeer” (minuut 28:52).

Graham beskryf die dienskneg as die een wat nog nie die meester se besigheid verstaan nie, wat doen wat die meester sê – en hy gehoorsaam bloot om nie in die moeilikheid te kom nie. Hy is die een wat nie net die meester verstaan nie, hy gee nie eers om nie. Hy wil net gehoorsaam wees, die moets en moenies volg en vermy om in regsmoeilikheid te beland. Dit is die ingestelde wet. “Wat is die reëls? Wat moet ek doen? Wat eis die meester?”

Terwyl die vriend die een is wat met begripvolle samewerking met die meester omgaan. Die vriend gehoorsaam ook, maar hy doen dit uit ‘n gevoel van ooreenstemming, lojaliteit, toewyding, liefde en vertroue vir en in die meester. Dit is ontwerpreg – om te verstaan hoe en waarom dinge werk soos hulle werk en intelligent saam te werk omdat ons saamstem en die metodes en maniere van die meester verkies.

Ek kan aan niemand anders dink as Graham wat die rol van ‘n dienaar beter met dié van ‘n vriend gekontrasteer het nie. Dit is ‘n uitstekende kontras tussen die menslik opgelegde wet-manier om dinge te sien en God se ontwerpwet-manier om dinge te sien.

Maar wat my onlangs opgeval het, is dat die dienaar se begrip die weg van die wêreld is, hoe die gevalle mensdom dink, die weg van opgelegde wet, heerskappy oor ander met magsmetodes van die koninkryke van hierdie wêreld – en dit verteenwoordig nie God se ware dienaars nie. ‘n Mens kan nie ‘n ware en getroue dienaar van God wees, die sending vir ons hemelse meester voltooi of sy roeping vervul, tensy hulle werklik sy vriend is nie! Met ander woorde, al God se betroubare dienaars is slegs betroubaar omdat hulle werklik sy vriende geword het. Hierdie mense ken God eintlik (Johannes 17:3) en ken daarom sy karakter, ontwerpwetlike metodes en beginsels en is gewen tot lojale vriendskap met Hom en kan dus van Hom sê wat reg is (Job 42:7). Dit is slegs moontlik wanneer hulle die opgelegde wet leuens verwerp het en die waarheid van God se ontwerpwette so aanvaar het dat hulle opgehou het om ‘n skepsel te aanbid en teruggekeer het na die aanbidding van die Skepper.

In die Skrif word God se ware dienaars ook sy profete genoem:

Die Soewereine HERE doen sekerlik niks sonder om sy plan aan sy dienaars die profete te openbaar nie (Amos 3:7 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne; sien ook 1 Konings 14:18; 2 Konings 9:7, 17:23, 21:10; Esra 9:11; Jeremia 7:25, 25:4, 26:5, 29:19, 35:15; Esegiël 38:17; Daniël 9:10; Sagaria 1:6).

God se betroubare profete is nie beperk tot diegene wat die toekoms voorspel, soos Daniël en Johannes gedoen het nie. Hulle is eerder God se woordvoerders, diegene wat God se vriende is, diegene wat God persoonlik ken en van Hom kan sê wat reg is; hulle is diegene wat na die mense gaan met ‘n boodskap van God, ‘n boodskap wat net ‘n vriend tereg kan oordra.

Miskien is die bekendste en kragtigste voorbeeld van so ‘n dienaar, profeet en woordvoerder vir God, een wat eintlik God se vriend was, naamlik Moses:

Die HERE sal van aangesig tot aangesig met Moses praat, soos ‘n man met sy vriend praat (Eksodus 33:11 NIV 84).

En Moses is herhaaldelik God se dienaar genoem:

Wanneer ‘n profeet van die HERE onder julle is, openbaar Ek my aan hom in visioene, ek praat met hom in drome. Maar dit is nie waar van my kneg Moses nie; in my hele huis is hy getrou. Met hom spreek ek van aangesig tot aangesig, duidelik en nie in raaisels nie; hy sien die verskyning van die HERE. Waarom was julle dan nie bang om teen my kneg Moses te spreek nie? (Numeri 12:6-8 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Moses was ‘n vriend van God, maar is sy dienaar genoem omdat slegs ‘n ware vriend die diens kan lewer wat God wil hê – en dit is die diens om die waarheid oor Hom te vertel! Ware diens is om die boodskap van God se karakter van liefde na die mense te bring. Dit is die werk wat God van sy dienaars roep om vir Hom te vervul vlak voor sy wederkoms: ‘n spesiale eindtydse groep. (Sien my blog Wie Is Die 144 000?)

Sommige mag dalk oor hierdie vers struikel omdat God ‘n “profeet” kontrasteer met sy dienaar Moses, maar hierdie vers kontrasteer die verskil tussen diegene wat werklik God se vriende is en diegene wat nie is nie. Daar is profete wat God se ware dienaars is, wat die waarheid oor Hom vertel en dit slegs kan doen omdat hulle ook sy vriende is – profete soos Moses, die apostels, Jesaja en ander. Maar daar is ook profete wat nie sy ware dienaars is nie, nie sy vriende nie, wat Hom nie werklik ken nie, en tog het God steeds deur hulle gespreek, soos mense soos Bileam en Koning Saul (Numeri 22; 1 Samuel 10:9-12). Slegs die betroubare vriende van God, wat sy seël op hulle voorkop ontvang, kan Hom die diens lewer wat Hy werklik begeer – om Hom in sy ware heerlikheid, lig en karakter te openbaar; dus word slegs sy ware vriende sy dienaars genoem.

Dit is waarom Jesus aan die einde van die tyd vir sy getroue vriende sal sê, “Welgedaan, jou goeie en getroue dienaar!” (Matteus 25:21).

Want soos Job sal hulle van God gesê het wat reg is!

 

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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 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 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

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 12

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

K.C., OH, USA

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

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 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 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 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 27

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 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 33

I was invited over a friend’s house to see the “God and Your Brain” seminar today. I became [a christian] 36 years ago at the age of 19, but have struggled with the concept of God taking His ‘pound of flesh’ out on His Son to be appeased. Wow. Your seminar has been an incredible revelation and breath of reason and fresh air! I have your book, “The God Shaped Brain,” and it is SO eye opening. Finally, after 36 years enlightenment has come! Praise the Good Lord! What can I say, but that the Real Gospel is truly “Good News!” Thank you for your efforts in giving the Gospel a clear sound!

Paul C.,  Springfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA