Die Vloed en die Vraag of God Doodmaak – Deel 2

Die Vloed en die Vraag of God Doodmaak – Deel 2

In die tyd ná my onlangse aanlyn dagboek (“blog”), Die Vloed En Die Vraag Of God Doodmaak – Deel 1, het ek verskeie e-posse ontvang wat kommer, besware en meningsverskille uitspreek. En aan diegene wat gekies het om vir my e-pos te stuur om besware uit te spreek: Dankie!

Dit is hoe ons leer, en jy het my weer dinge laat deurdink en die Bybelse bewyse weer laat ondersoek, en hierdie proses het nuwe insigte laat ontstaan wat ek nie voorheen oorweeg het nie. Hierdie is dus ‘n opvolg-blog vir my eerste een. As jy nie daardie blog gelees het nie, doen dit asseblief; dit lê die grondslag vir wat volg.

ʼn Persoon het die volgende e-pos gestuur:

Ek het jou artikel drie keer volledig gelees in ons groep wat ons gebruik om jou materiaal en ander materiaal van ander voorstanders van God se Karakter-boodskap te deel.

Kom ons redeneer bietjie vir bietjie saam op grond van jou artikel oor die Vloed en kyk of ons tot ‘n gemeenskaplike begrip kan kom of nie.

Die eerste vraag oor die vloed en waarskynlik Sodom:

As God bloot mense laat slaap het, *hoekom het Hy dit so pynlik gemaak*, soos om ʼn vloed te gebruik om te verdrink, vuur om mense lewendig te braai, insluitend kinders? Kon Hy nie ‘n minder pynlike middel gebruik het nie? Het God nodig om geweld en die vreeslikste gebeure in die hele heelal te gebruik voordat Hy mense kan laat slaap?

Weereens, hoekom was die vloed wêreldwyd en nie beperk tot net die inwoners van die destydse wêreld nie? Waarom het die vloed groot verwoesting op ons planeet gelaat en ons ekosisteem gedestabiliseer as God bloot die mense moes laat slaap?

Die wêreldwye vloed het ‘n slegte uitwerking op ons ekosisteem veroorsaak wat sou lei tot die skroeiende son en baie lyding en dood sou veroorsaak. Die idee dat God se krag vernietigend is, het baie mense laat glo dat God die bron van die dood is. Is hulle nie reg om tot daardie gevolgtrekking te kom sonder die idee van die vloed en die daaropvolgende gevolge daarvan vir ons ekosisteem nie?

Sulke wonderlike vrae! Hierdie soort vrae gee ons die geleentheid om ons menings te herondersoek, na te dink, te herdink en te heroorweeg – en hopelik te groei in ons begrip van God en sy ontwerpwette vir die lewe.

Ek wil graag my antwoord begin deur te suggereer dat die vraesteller ‘n aanname, ‘n stelling oor die Bybelverslag van Sodom ter sprake gebring het wat nie akkuraat blyk te wees nie en wat dus tot ‘n verkeerde gevolgtrekking lei: dat God sy ingrypings pynlik gemaak het (deur mense te braai). Tog is dit eenvoudig nie hoe die storie beskryf word nie. In plaas daarvan word dit beskryf as ‘n vuur wat so intens is dat selfs die geboue uitgewis is – wat beteken dat dit ‘n oombliklike verdamping van alle materie was – en nie ʼn stadige “braai” van mense nie. Dit was dus pynloos. Hierdie mense het geen besef gehad dat hulle verdamp word nie. Dit sou wees soos die ervaring van ‘n persoon wat by die episentrum van ‘n kernontploffing staan – die persoon sou glad geen pyn voel nie. As ons dus hierdie verhaal lees as God wat stadige marteling of lyding toedien, stel ons ‘n valsheid voor en stel ons Hom verkeerd voor.

Wat van die vloed? Verdrinking in daardie waters was nie oombliklik nie; so, het dit nie lyding veroorsaak nie en het dit nie die hele planeet, sy ekosisteem en alle daaropvolgende geslagte beïnvloed nie? Ja.

Hoekom? Die rede waarom die vloed wêreldwyd was, was omdat, volgens Genesis 6, die probleem wêreldwyd was en die terapeutiese ingrypings dus wêreldwyd moes wees.

En wat was daardie terapeutiese ingrypings – behalwe om die weg vir die Messias oop te hou?

 

EERSTE TERAPEUTIESE REDE VIR DIE VLOED: VOORSIENING VAN ELKE GELEENTHEID VIR BEKERING

Het God nie deur Noag vir 120 jaar gewaarsku van ‘n komende vloed, van hulle sondigheid, van die nodigheid om hulle te bekeer, van die nodigheid dat hulle na Hom moes draai vir redding nie? Hoe het hulle op die boodskap van Noag gereageer? Bespotting en verwerping. Watter effek sou die plaasvind van die vloed (reën, fonteine van water wat deurbreek, ens.) oor ‘n tydperk hê? Sou dit sommige mense daartoe beweeg om na te dink en te heroorweeg? Sou die bewyse van wat besig was om te gebeur vir hulle bevestig dat Noag reg was? Sou dit die mense buite die ark die geleentheid gee om hulle te bekeer? Of hulle dit aanvaar of nie, is nie die vraag wat ek hier vra nie; ek vra eerder of ‘n God van liefde nie elke geleentheid tot bekering sou gee nie, selfs al was daardie geleentheid fisies pynlik?

Het die dief aan die kruis baie waarhede gehad wat deur sy lewe aan hom voorgehou is – maar God aanhoudend verwerp, ‘n sondige lewe nagejaag totdat hy in ‘n toestand van lyding beland het wat tot die dood lei? Het daardie situasie hom die geleentheid gegee om te besin en hom te bekeer, al was hy bestem om op daardie stadium te sterf?

Die vloed is dus nie net gebring om die weg vir die Messias oop te hou nie, maar dit het ook diegene wat geweier het om op die ark te klim een laaste geleentheid vir bekering en ewige verlossing toegelaat. Net soos die dief, sou hulle aardse lewe verby wees, maar hulle ewige lewe hoef nie te wees nie.

 

TWEEDE TERAPEUTIESE REDE VIR DIE VLOED: OM STRUIKELBLOKKE IN DIE PAD VAN TOEKOMSTIGE WÊRELDWYE AFVALLIGHEID TE PLAAS

Wat was die faktore, behalwe dat mense sondig was, wat daartoe bygedra het dat die hele wêreld so vinnig ná Eden teen God verhard het? Wat gebeur met sondige mense as alles vir hulle gegee word en hulle vir niks hoef te werk nie? Wat gebeur mettertyd met mense wat selfstandig is en genot-soekende lewens lei? Wat gebeur as sulke mense honderde jare leef? Watter invloed sou sulke mense op hul kinders, kleinkinders, agterkleinkinders en verskeie verdere geslagte hê?

Sou die verandering van die omgewing om dit moeiliker te maak om te oorleef ‘n straf vir sonde wees of eerder ‘n terapeutiese ingryping wat sou help om die verdorwenheid van menslike karakter te vertraag? Het jy al ooit gehoor dat “ledigheid is die duiwel se oorkussing”? – d.w.s. nuttige arbeid beskerm teen versoeking.

Die paradysagtige toestande op die aarde voor die vloed het meer toegewing aan die vleeslike natuur toegelaat en dus die verdorwenheid van die menslike karakter versnel. Die veranderinge aan die aarde deur die vloed het dit moeiliker gemaak om kos op die tafel te sit en het dus die behoefte aan nuttige arbeid verhoog, wat ook mense teen toegewing aan sonde beskerm het.

Verder het die veranderinge aan die aarde gelei tot die verkorting van mense se leeftyd van ongeveer 900 jaar tot 120 jaar, wat ook die tempo van verspreiding van die bose beperk het, aangesien diegene wat hulle harte teen God verhard het, nie soveel geslagte met hul invloed kon verderf nie. Dus, as ons al hierdie veranderlikes bymekaar sit, sien ons ‘n pragtige God van liefde wat barmhartig en terapeuties optree om die weg vir die Messias oop te hou en die vordering van die siekte van sonde te vertraag.

Die verhaal van die vloed dien as ‘n uitstekende voorbeeld van die verskil tussen feite – vloed, verandering in die ekosisteem, verkorting van lewens – en die vertolking van feite. Satan probeer ons beïnvloed om die feite verkeerd te vertolk om die karakter van God te verdraai. Wanneer ons terugkeer na ontwerpwet en verstaan hoe die werklikheid werk, besef ons dat God nie straf toegedien het nie, maar terapeuties opgetree het om te genees en te red.

As ons nie die konteks verstaan van wat eintlik in die groot stryd gebeur nie, die werklikheid van die mensdom wat aan ‘n terminale toestand sterf, van God wat werk om deur die Messias te red, en Satan wat werk om daardie plan te voorkom nie, sal ons verkeerd verstaan wat ons in die Bybel lees.

Sien in jou geestesoog ʼn antieke slagveld waarop jy sien hoe bose mense mekaar met swaarde doodmaak en vermink – soms arms of bene afsny. Maar op die slagveld is daar ook mediese personeel wat blykbaar dieselfde ding doen. Hulle hou mense vas, mense wat skree omdat geen narkose beskikbaar is nie, en sny hul arms en bene af (amputeer om die lewe te red) of sny hul maag oop (om die wonde te genees). Maar as waarnemer sien jy twee groepe mense wat skerp instrumente gebruik om ledemate af te sny en in mense te sny. Jy besef nie die twee groepe werk na twee verskillende doelwitte nie. Jy kan verkeerdelik aflei: “My dokter sal nooit sulke metodes gebruik nie; dit is boos.”

Dit is hoe ek die argument hoor van diegene wat ontken dat God ooit krag gebruik het om mense te laat slaap. Dit versuim om in te sluit wat die aksie bedoel is om tot gevolg te hê – dit wil sê die motief – wat is om die spesie te genees en te red.

God verplig nooit, dwing nooit af nie, en gebruik slegs die metodes van waarheid, liefde en vryheid. Maar liefde bedwing boosheid om te beskerm, en God het dit op baie plekke regdeur die menslike geskiedenis gedoen.

 

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Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

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 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 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 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

 

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I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

K.B., LA, USA

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

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 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 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., 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

 

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 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 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia