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STORMS EN ANDER RAMPE: IS DIT VAN GOD?

STORMS EN ANDER RAMPE: IS DIT VAN GOD?

Op 3 Augustus 2023 het ek mediese direkteur geword by Honey Lake Clinic (HLC) in Greenville, Florida. HLC is ‘n Christelike residensiële psigiatriese behandelingsentrum (RPB). Ons verskaf holistiese, Christus-gesentreerde geestesgesondheidsbehandelings om genesing aan gees, liggaam, verstand en verhoudings te bring deur die oorsaak van die siekte te identifiseer en die individu te herstel in harmonie met God se ontwerp vir lewe en gesondheid.

Sedert 1900 het 34 groot orkane (kategorie 3 of hoër) die staat Florida getref, maar slegs twee daarvan het in die boogstreek getref waar HLC geleë is – albei sedert ek mediese direkteur by HLC geword het:

  • Idalia op 30 Augustus 2023.
  • Helene op 27 September 2024.
  • Orkaan Debby het ook op 5 Augustus 2024 die boog getref, maar dit was ‘n kategorie 1-storm.

In die nasleep van hierdie gebeure het verskeie mense my gevra of hierdie storms van God, die duiwel of net die natuurlike prosesse van die natuur is.

Eerstens dank ons God vir Sy beskerming van HLC tydens hierdie storms. Tydens die twee groot storms het pasiënte en personeel vir twee dae ontruim, baie bome is omgewaai, heinings is beskadig en krag was vir verskeie dae af, maar geen geboue is beskadig nie, en die kliniek kon deurgaans voortgaan om dienste te lewer.

Maar die vraag bly – hoe verstaan ons hierdie gebeure? Strawwe wat deur God toegedien word vir die toenemende goddeloosheid in die wêreld? Aanvalle van Satan om God se agente en hulpbronne te probeer vernietig? Of niks meer as natuurverskynsels nie?

Die Bybel toon dat wanneer Satan nie deur God in bedwang gehou word nie, dit verskillende soorte storms kan veroorsaak. In die eerste hoofstuk van Job (verse 12, 19) bring die duiwel ‘n windstorm wat sterk genoeg is om die huis waarin Job se kinders is, in duie te stort. En in Markus 4:37 beskryf die Bybel die skielike verskyning van ‘n woedende, onnatuurlike storm wat die dissipels verskrik het en gedreig het om die vroeë kerk te verdrink, wat vereis het dat Jesus die storm bestraf en die see kalmeer.

Die Bybel dokumenteer ook dat God soms storms bring – byvoorbeeld die groot Vloed wat in Genesis hoofstukke 6 tot 8 beskryf word, en die verhaal van Jona wat van God af weggehardloop het en die storm wat gewoed het totdat hy in die see gegooi is (Jona 1:10-12).

En natuurlik is daar eenvoudig natuurlike weerpatrone wat nie deur God of die duiwel aangehits word nie. Wanneer verwoestende storms plaasvind, hoe weet ons dus watter gevolgtrekking ons oor ‘n spesifieke storm moet maak?

 

WIE HET DIT GEDOEN?

Toe ek voorgestel het dat hierdie onlangse storms nie van God af was nie, maar óf direk van die duiwel was wat probeer vernietig óf die sekondêre gevolge van boosheid in die wêreld, was my voorstel betwis. Sommige het onmiddellik verwys na God se gebruik van krag om storms in Bybeltye te bring en beweer dat dit God is wat optree om oordele te bring om goddeloosheid in die wêreld te straf – die spreekwoordelike “dade van God.”

As storms dus van God, die duiwel of natuurlike prosesse kan kom, hoe kan ons dan die verskil onderskei tussen wanneer God optree en wanneer Satan optree?

Eerstens, God kondig altyd deur Sy profete aan wat Hy gaan doen voordat Hy dit doen:

Die Soewereine HERE doen sekerlik niks sonder om sy plan aan sy dienaars, die profete, te openbaar nie (Amos 3:7; NIV84).

Voordat God ingryp, waarsku Hy altyd om geleentheid vir bekering te gee. Hoekom? Omdat God se optrede altyd terapeuties is, ontwerp is om te red en te genees, en nie straf is nie. Hy waarsku mense om hulle aandag te kry om hulle te beskerm en te red.

  • God het die Vloed 120 jaar lank aangekondig voordat dit gebeur het en ‘n manier voorsien om te ontsnap via die ark.
  • God het aan Abraham die vernietiging van Sodom en Gomorra aangekondig en engele gestuur om Lot te waarsku.
  • God het Farao en die hele Egipte gewaarsku deur Moses oor die komende plae en die geleentheid gegee om dit te vermy.
  • God het Jona na Nineve gestuur om hulle te waarsku en, omdat hulle hulle bekeer het, het Hy nie die storm gebring nie.

Wanneer God ook al die een is wat optree, waarsku Hy deur Sy boodskappers voordat die gebeurtenis plaasvind om mense tyd te gee om te vlug, hulle te bekeer en die vernietiging te vermy.

Sover ek weet was hierdie onlangse storms nie vooraf deur God se profete aangekondig om te waarsku en tyd te gee om hulle te bekeer nie – dus was hulle nie van God af nie. Dit beteken dus dat dit óf bloot natuurlike gebeure is, dié wat deur die duiwel aangevuur word, óf hulle is die gevolg van bose optrede op hierdie planeet.

Die tweede rede waarom ons kan weet dat hierdie onlangse storms nie van God af was nie, is omdat God se optrede altyd terapeuties van aard is, terwyl Satan s’n altyd vernietigend is. Op die oog af lyk die dade van God en die dade van die duiwel soms soortgelyk, maar dit is nie.

Byvoorbeeld, ‘n chirurg sal optree om ‘n gangreneuse voet te amputeer om die pasiënt te red. Maar die chirurg se optrede is nie dieselfde as ‘n Taliban-terroris wat die voet van ‘n ongelowige amputeer nie. Albei mense amputeer ledemate, maar een tree op om te red en te genees; die ander tree op om te beseer en te vernietig. Dit is die verskil – en konteks, omstandighede en motief van die een wat die aksie neem, bepaal die verskil.

Sodra Adam gesondig het, kon geen mens gered word sonder die beloofde Saad van Genesis 3:15 nie – en die hele Ou Testamentiese verhaal handel oor God wat werk om Jesus ons Verlosser te maak en Satan se werk om Hom te keer. Hoe kon Satan keer dat Jesus as ‘n mens gebore word en ons Verlosser word sonder om bloot alle mense dood te maak? Deur alle mense te kry om hulle harte permanent teen God te verhard. God sou nie ‘n vrou teen haar wil dwing om die moeder van Jesus te wees nie, en God sou nie dat Jesus gebore word vir ‘n vrou soos Isebel, wat Hom as ‘n kinderoffer aan ‘n heidense god sou gebring het nie.

Ten tyde van die Vloed was daar net een regverdige man oor op die aarde, net een gesin oor wat na God sou luister en God sou vertrou en dus net een gesin deur wie God kon werk om die mensdom van sonde te red. Die Vloed was dus nie God wat opgetree het om te vernietig nie, maar eerder om te red en te genees.

As jy meer wil lees oor hoe God se optrede terapeuties en nie vernietigend is nie, sien ons blogs:

 

VANDAG SE RAMPE

So hoekom sien ons meer storms en rampe? Die goddelose wêreld wil ons laat glo dat dit as gevolg van klimaatsverandering is as gevolg van verhoogde koolstofvrystellings, maar dit is ‘n leuen wat bedoel is om mense te kry om hul vryhede oor te gee aan die beheer van die elites. Boonop is die klimaatsveranderingsklug ‘n direkte ontkenning van die Woord van God, want God het twee beloftes gemaak ná die Vloed. Een belofte was dat Hy nooit weer die wêreld deur ‘n vloed sou vernietig nie, en Hy het die reënboog gegee as ‘n herinnering aan ons aan daardie belofte.

Maar Hy het ook belowe:

Solank as wat die aarde voortduur, sal saaityd en oes, koue en hitte, somer en winter, dag en nag nooit ophou nie (Genesis 8:22 NIV84).

Vir meer inligting oor die leuens oor klimaatsverandering, sien ons blogs:

Dit is nie klimaatsverandering wat die toename in rampe veroorsaak nie; dit is ‘n geestelike verandering, die verharding van menslike harte. Die klimaatsveranderingsverhaal is hoe Satan die werklike probleem verbloem!

God is die Skepper en Onderhouer van die werklikheid. Vandat Adam en Eva gesondig het, het God Sy krag gebruik om te red en te genees, om boosheid in toom te hou, om die owerhede en magte van die duisternis in toom te hou met die doel om mense na redding te lei. Maar wanneer God Sy bedwingende hand verwyder, soos Hy in die boek Job gedoen het, het Satan meer vryheid om op te tree – en Satan is die vernietiger.

Die woonplek van die Heilige Gees op die aarde is die geestestempel, die menslike hart en verstand. Soos miljarde mense hulle harte teen God verhard, word die Heilige Gees stadig van die aarde onttrek en as gevolg daarvan, kry Satan meer en meer vryheid om op te tree – en dit is wat die toename in rampe op die aarde veroorsaak. Hierdie onttrekking van God se teenwoordigheid en beskerming omdat die mensdom hulle harte teen Hom verhard het, word in die Bybel beskryf as “God se toorn.”

Die apostel Paulus sê uitdruklik in Romeine 1:18, 24, 26 en 28 dat God se toorn is om mense te laat gaan vanuit Sy beskerming om te maai wat hulle gekies het, en die natuurlike gevolg is vernietiging. Baie Bybelgeleerdes erken hierdie waarheid. Uit die boek Hard Sayings of the Bible, uitgegee deur Intervarsity Press, wat kommentaar lewer op Romeine 1:18-32, lees ons:

In ‘n sekere sin is God se toorn ingebou in die struktuur van die geskape werklikheid. Deur God se struktuur te verwerp en ons eie te vestig, deur God se bedoeling vir die skepping te skend en ons eie bedoelings te vervang, veroorsaak of besit ons verbrokkeling.

Die menslike toestand, wat Paulus in Romeine 1:18-32 beskryf, is nie iets wat deur God veroorsaak word nie. Die frase “geopenbaar uit die hemel” (waar “hemel” ‘n tipiese Joodse plaasvervangerwoord vir “God” is) beeld nie een of ander soort goddelike ingryping uit nie, maar eerder die onvermydelikheid van menslike vernedering wat voortspruit wanneer God se wil, ingebou in die geskape orde, geskend word. Aangesien die geskape orde sy oorsprong in God het, kan Paulus sê dat die toorn van God nou (voortdurend) “uit die hemel” geopenbaar word. Dit word geopenbaar in die feit dat die verwerping van God se waarheid (Rom 1:18-20), dit wil sê die waarheid oor God se natuur en wil, lei tot nuttelose denke (Rom 1:21-22), afgodery (Rom 1:23), verdraaiing van God-bedoelde seksualiteit (Rom 1:24-27) en verhoudings-morele gebrokenheid (Rom 1:28-32).

Die uitdrukking “God het hulle oorgegee” (of “oorhandig”), wat drie keer in hierdie gedeelte voorkom (Rom 1:24,26,28), ondersteun die idee dat die sondige verdraaiing van die menslike bestaan, hoewel dit voortspruit uit menslike besluite, uiteindelik verstaan moet word as God se straf wat ons in vryheid oor onsself bring.

In die lig van hierdie beskouings kan die algemene idee dat God straf of seën in direkte verhouding tot ons sondige of goeie dade nie gehandhaaf word nie … God het ons lief met ‘n ewige liefde. Maar die verwerping van daardie liefde skei ons van die lewegewende krag daarvan. Die gevolg is disintegrasie en dood (Kaiser, W., et al., bl. 542, 543, klem myne).

Aan die einde van die tyd is God se toorn die geleidelike vrylating van Sy beskerming van almal wat hulle harte teen Hom verhard het. Wanneer dit gebeur, sal bose magte meer vryheid kry om op te tree en ons sal al hoe meer vernietiging van alle soorte sien – natuurrampe, pessiektes, oorloë, hongersnood en menslike mishandeling en uitbuiting.

En, in ooreenstemming met Sy karakter, het God Sy optrede voorspel om te laat gaan, Sy beskerming te onttrek, en die daaropvolgende resultate deur Jesus se profesieë wat in Matteus 24 en Lukas 21 opgeteken is en ook deur Johannes in die boek Openbaring.

Maar Jesus sê ook vir ons dat ons nie deur vrees oorweldig moet word wanneer hierdie dinge gebeur nie; in plaas daarvan, het Hy gesê, “Wanneer hierdie dinge begin plaasvind, staan op en hef julle hoofde op, want julle verlossing is naby” (Lukas 21:28 NIV84).

En Paulus vertel ons presies wat ons ingesteldheid in hierdie tyd in die menslike geskiedenis moet wees, want ons is nie kinders van die donker nie, maar van die lig:

Maar oor die tye en geleenthede, broeders, het julle nie nodig dat aan julle geskryf word nie; want julle weet self baie goed dat die dag van die Here kom net soos ‘n dief in die nag. Want wanneer hulle sê: Vrede en veiligheid – dan oorval ‘n skielike verderf hulle soos die barensnood ‘n swanger vrou, en hulle sal sekerlik nie ontvlug nie. Maar julle, broeders, is nie in duisternis, dat die dag julle soos ‘n dief sou oorval nie. Julle is almal kinders van die lig en kinders van die dag; ons is nie van die nag of die duisternis nie. Laat ons dan nie slaap soos die ander nie, maar laat ons waak en nugter wees. Want die wat slaap, slaap in die nag; en die wat dronk word, is in die nag dronk. Maar laat ons wat van die dag is, nugter wees, met die borswapen van geloof en liefde aan, en as helm die hoop op die saligheid. Want God het ons nie bestem tot toorn nie, maar om die saligheid te verkry deur onse Here Jesus Christus (1 Thessalonicense 5:1-9 AFR’33).

Ons het niks om te vrees vir die toorn van God nie, want ons is Sy kinders en Hy sal ons nooit verlaat, versaak of in die steek laat nie (Hebreërs 13:5). Hy is altyd met ons, selfs tot aan die einde van die aarde (Matthéüs 28:20). Lig dus jou kop op en wees bly terwyl hierdie gebeure plaasvind, want Jesus kom binnekort!

 

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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 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 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 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 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!

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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.

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Testimony 21

I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

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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 71

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Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

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Testimony 62

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Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

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

 

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 7

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Testimony 13

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