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Tapping into God’s Power

Tapping into God’s Power

by

Tim Jennings, M.D.
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God is love, and God loves you.

He is the infinite source of all life, with unlimited power, and He longs to provide you with all the resources of heaven to enable you to live victorious over sin. The power of God is free and available to each and every one of us.

But many people struggle because they don’t understand the difference between God’s power and the power wielded by this sinful world. Satan tempts us to exchange the power of God for the power of the evil one. However, we can only receive and wield God’s power as we relinquish worldly powers.

As we examine different types of power, we must consider what the power being wielded is meant to accomplish. For example, we use the power of a flame to heat our food on a gas range, but we would not use the power of a flame to treat a burn.

What is the power of God to be wielded and what is it meant to accomplish? In the plan of salvation, what is God’s end-goal? The eradication of sin. But from where? The hearts and minds of people. But is that all God wants to accomplish, merely to eliminate sin? No, God could do that by destroying all life. God seeks to not only eliminate sin but to save and heal sinners; He wants to restore in the heart, mind, soul of people His law, methods, principles, to bring us back into perfect unity, “at-one-ment,” with Him so that we can live again in His presence.

This means that God’s power must have the effect of turning people who war against Him, who don’t trust Him, who dislike Him, into people who love and trust Him and who live in harmony with His design for life—while retaining their unique individuality. So, as we think about the use of different types of power, we must ask the question: Does wielding this power heal hearts and minds, remove fear and selfishness, instill love and Christlike character—or does it inflame fear, selfishness, and a willingness to hurt others to protect self?

God wants our love, trust, loyalty, and devotion. As we examine the different types of power, we must ask: Will this power result in restoring love and trust in God?

 

Coercive Power

Coercive power is the use of force and might to threaten, intimidate, or punish in order to pressure someone who is otherwise unwilling to comply with your will. Can God get what He wants from His creatures by exercising this type of power? Further, is the use of this type of power reliable in recruiting followers to one’s cause?

Will the use of this type of power to obtain converts actually result in reliable, stable, trustworthy, and unshakable followers? Can one get loyalty by the use of threats? In other words, if you get people following you with coercive power, will they stay true and loyal against all opposition? What will break coercive power and cause such followers to collapse, to give in, to betray you?

  • A bigger threat
  • A desired inducement
  • Believing a lie
  • Genuine love for someone or something else
  • The hope of freedom

Coercive power is a violation of God’s design law of liberty. Violate liberty in relationships and love is always damaged, a desire to rebel is instilled, and the individuality of those dominated is slowly eroded. This type of power does not restore God’s image in people but destroys it. This is the power of imposed law, rules that require external enforcement by a ruling authority—the power of all human governments.

Imposed law always results in the use of coercive power. God’s government does not operate upon coercive power because what God wants can never be achieved with it. God wants our love and trust—but one cannot achieve love and trust by threat and coercion. Thus, the Bible states, “not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit, says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6).

The first type of power is coercive power, which originates in Satan’s government and is the primary method of the nations of this world. Such behavior is beastly! That is why Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).

 

Inducing Power

The next type of power is inducing power—the power of bribes, payoffs, promotions, money, advancement, praise, and adoration. This power is also used by governments of this world—economic incentives, tax breaks etc. Will bribing someone achieve God’s goal of turning enemies into friends? Does this type of power result in reliable, stable, trustworthy, and unshakable followers? Will people who follow you for what they can get stay loyal against all opposition? What will cause them to collapse and betray you?

  • A serious threat
  • A better payoff
  • A lie
  • Genuine love for someone or something else

The movie The Godfather exemplifies how these first two types of power operate: A deal you can’t refuse—either take the payoff or you will be killed.

While there are rewards that result from loyalty to God—freedom from guilt and shame, the peace that friendship with God brings, the promise of eternal life—such rewards are not payoffs, inducements, or bribes, but the natural result of restoration to harmony with God and His design for life. Just as one cannot avoid the damaging results of violating the laws of health, one cannot avoid the positive results of living in harmony with the laws of health. And being healthy, having energy, vitality, and strength is a reward, but it is not a bribe.

 

Deceiving Power

Another type of power is the power of lies, deceit, and deception. The power of lies is a stronger power, a more potent power, and a more reliable power than coercion or inducement. Adherents who follow someone based on lies—if they truly believe those lies—will not be swayed by threats, will not by bought by bribes. Consider members of cults, for instance, or various terrorist groups. Sadly, human governments use this power all too frequently.

But while lies are more powerful and reliable in achieving converts than threats or inducements, will lies achieve God’s goal of winning people to love and trust? Will such followers be faithful beyond betrayal? Will those who follow based on lies remain true in the face of all opposition? What will cause the deceived follower to collapse and betray you?

  • Another lie that they believe
  • The truth—as the truth exposes the lies, if they accept the truth they will be set free! And the truth may be revealed by either facts or experiences of life
  • Love for someone or something other than self

This power is one of Satan’s prime powers. He is the father of lies. This power is never used by God.

 

The Power of Love

The power of love, to be loved and to love others genuinely more than self, is a power that moves people to action. We have all heard the heroic stories of persons who have sacrificed themselves to save family, friends, and even strangers. And God’s love certainly draws us back to Him. But does the power of love result in reliable, stable, trustworthy, unshakable outcomes? Will those who follow based on love be loyal against all opposition?

Certainly, the power of love is greater than coercive force and greater than inducing power. But there is one power that can, and did, break the power of love—lies. Just remember Eden and the fall of our first parents.

To help people resonate with how powerful lies can be, I often use this example:

Imagine that you are in a healthy, loving marriage in which you love and trust your spouse, who loves and trust you in return. And someone you also love and trust, perhaps your brother or sister, comes to you with tears in their eyes and tells you a lie that your spouse is having an affair. They even show pictures they have doctored on their computer to make it appear your spouse is with another. Now, while it is not true, while your spouse is still loyal and faithful, if you believe the lie, does something inside of you change?

Notice the cascade of destruction that comes from believing lies:

  • Lies believed break the circle of love and trust!
  • Broken love and trust result in fear and selfness
    • “I no longer trust you, so I have to watch out for myself.”
  • Fear and selfishness result in act of selfishness
    • “I’m afraid you will bring me a disease, so I’m moving out and going to the bank to get the money before you do.”
  • Acts of sin damage mind, body, relationships—a terminal condition
    • Increased fear activates stress cascades, damages health, causes negative thought processes and disrupts relationships

This is our root sin-condition. We are infected with fear and selfishness because our first parents believed lies. To the degree we continue to believe lies, particularly about God, we fuel fear and selfishness in our hearts and obstruct God’s power to heal. This is why Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31, 32 NIV84). And this leads us to the power that cannot be broken, the true power of God.

The Power of Love and Truth

There is one power that cannot be broken, and that is the power of love combined with truth. Truth and love combined result in something impenetrable! This is why the Holy Spirit is known as the Spirit of truth and love. This is why at Pentecost they saw two streams of fire: the fire of truth and the fire of love. This is the power of the gospel— the good news—that Paul speaks about, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16 NIV84 emphasis mine). This is the truth about God, the good news about God and His character and methods of love, which destroy lies and win us back to trust.

Lies cannot defeat understood and experienced truth; fear cannot overcome love founded upon truth! Only those who are partakers of God’s nature of truth and love, which is received through the indwelling Spirit of truth and love, are transformed into beings who are unshakable. They are the sealed of God, those who are so settled into the truth and love of God in both understanding and experience that they cannot be moved.

We tap into this power by partaking of the truth about God found in His written Word, in our personal time with God, and in the study of God’s creation. As the Holy Spirit enlightens our minds with truth, if we want the power, we must accept and choose the truth. Mere cognitive acknowledgement does not tap into the power, it is the choice to embrace it and apply the truth to the life that brings the power. Then, as we trust God, we open our hearts and He pours His love into our hearts. This combined application of truth and love into hearts and minds achieves God’s goal: it transforms God’s enemies into God’s friends.

 

Restraining Power

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one other use of power—restraining power. Restraining power is that force exercised to restrain, restrict, reduce, impede, slow, and/or obstruct injury, pain, suffering, destruction, and evil, primarily to give time for healing to occur.

Examples of restraining power include a parent restraining a child running toward the street; the Center for Disease Control officials implementing quarantine; mental-health professionals forcibly hospitalizing and medicating a psychotic patient; benevolent societies incarcerating those bent on exploiting others; and God holding back forces of evil to allow His healing plan to be realized.

Restraining power doesn’t change the character of the one being restrained, but it is the action of an outside intelligence inserting itself into the natural progression of events to overrule the autonomous choices of another being when that restraining power determines failure to act would result in unreasonable harm to others or the one being restrained. And restraining power uses the least restraint, for the shortest duration necessary, seeking to return the one restrained to full autonomy as soon as possible.

Love uses restraining power. God has used restraining power and continues to use restraining power, but what God cannot do is overwrite the mind and choices of His children. To do so would result in the destruction of individuality. The only way God can heal a person, restore a mind, reconstruct a heart, is with the voluntary cooperation of that person. We must actively choose to cooperate with God, to agree with Him. We must “be fully persuaded in our own mind” (Romans 14:5) in order to be transformed. It is the only way that love and truth can heal and restore. Yet, because restraining power cannot transform the heart, there comes a time when restraining power lets go. Parents who restrain rebellious children know that at a certain age, parental restraint must be let go. The Bible speaks of a time when God lets go His restraint, when there is no more that He can do (Revelation 7:1–3; 22:11)

There is a terrible tension in the world today, including in the church, the tension between rules (coercive power) and truth and love, the tension between upholding institutions or saving souls. God is focused on saving people, not human institutions. I invite you to tap into the power of God by wielding the sword of truth in love.

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Tim Jennings, M.D.

Timothy R. Jennings, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist, master psychopharmacologist, Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Fellow of the Southern Psychiatric Association, and an international speaker. He served as president of the Southern and Tennessee Psychiatric Associations and is president and founder of Come and Reason Ministries. Dr. Jennings has authored many books, including The God-Shaped Brain, The God-Shaped Heart, and The Aging Brain.

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Testimony 16

Your seminars are still inspiring and changing our lives and we continue to share the principles we have learned from you. Your ministry has changed our lives!

E.W.

 

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 5

We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

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!

Ashleighn C.

 

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 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 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 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

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 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, 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 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!

M.T., USA