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DIE OU TESTAMENT, MODERNE ONDERRIGTING EN DIE INTEGRERENDE BEWYSGEBASEERDE BENADERING

DIE OU TESTAMENT, MODERNE ONDERRIGTING EN DIE INTEGRERENDE BEWYSGEBASEERDE BENADERING

Ek het onlangs ‘n video van 17 minute gekyk met die titel Wat Het Die Ou Testament Te Doen Met Kurrikulum deur David I. Smith, Ph.D., skrywer van On Christian Teaching. In hierdie video ondersoek Dr. Smith lesse uit die Ou Testament wat nuttig kan wees in hoe ons mense vandag leer. Hy let op hoe die Hebreeuse Bybel in drie dele verdeel is:

Die eerste deel staan bekend as die Torah, wat “Lering” beteken, en bestaan uit Genesis, Eksodus, Levitikus, Numeri en Deuteronomium, wat ook gesamentlik bekend staan as die boeke van Moses of die Pentateug.

Die tweede deel staan bekend as die Profete en sluit die boeke Josua, Rigters, Samuel, Konings, Jesaja, Jeremia, Esegiël, Hosea, Joël, Amos, Obadja, Jona, Miga, Nahum, Habakuk, Sefanja, Haggai, Sagaria en Maleagi in.

Die derde deel staan bekend as die Geskrifte, die Psalms of die Wysheidsboeke en sluit die boeke Job, Psalms, Spreuke, Hooglied, Rut, Klaagliedere, Prediker, Ester, Daniël, Esra, Nehemia en Kronieke in.

Hierdie verdeling was ook hoe die Nuwe Testamentiese skrywers die Ou Testament verstaan het. Jesus het na sy opstanding vir sy dissipels gesê:

Dit is wat ek vir julle gesê het terwyl ek nog by julle was: Alles moet vervul word wat oor my geskrywe staan in die Wet van Moses, die Profete en die Psalms (Lukas 24:44 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Maar as ‘n snelskrif het hulle soms na die hele Ou Testamentiese kanon verwys deur net die Wet en die Profete te sê. Jesus, nadat hy bevestig het dat die grootste gebod is om God lief te hê met ‘n mens se hele wese en die tweede is om ons naaste lief te hê soos onsself, het gesê:

Aan hierdie twee gebooie hang die hele wet en die profete (Matteus 22:40 AFR33, beklemtoning myne).

Toe Filippus Natanïel kry, sê hy vir hom:

Ons het die een gevind waarvan Moses in die Wet geskryf het, en oor wie die profete ook geskryf het – Jesus van Nasaret, die seun van Josef (Johannes 1:45 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

En soms, hoe hulle na die hele Ou Testament verwys het, het hulle aansienlik verkort deur bloot “die Wet” te sê. Hier gebruik Jesus albei snelskrifterme in een antwoord:

Moenie dink dat Ek gekom het om die Wet of die Profete af te skaf nie; Ek het nie gekom om hulle af te skaf nie, maar om hulle te vervul. Voorwaar, Ek sê vir julle, totdat die hemel en die aarde verdwyn, sal nie die kleinste letter, nie die minste streep van ‘n pen nie, enigsins uit die Wet verdwyn totdat alles volbring is nie (Matthéüs 5:17, 18 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Wanneer Jesus “die Wet” sê, beperk Hy nie sy kommentaar tot die Tien Gebooie nie, maar verwys Hy na al die 39 boeke van die Ou Testament. Hy sê dat alles in die Ou Testament oor die verlossingsplan, van Genesis tot Maleagi, vervul moet word.

Elders, het Jesus die term “Wet” gebruik toe Hy slegs na die psalms verwys het, wat deel is van die Geskrifte, wat demonstreer dat die snelskrif “Wet” gebruik is vir die hele Ou Testamentiese kanon en nie net die vyf boeke van Moses nie:

Jesus antwoord hulle, “Is daar nie in julle Wet geskrywe nie: Ek het gesê julle is gode?” (Joh. 10:34; Jesus verwys na Psalm 82:6).

 

VERPLIGTINGS, ONTWRIGTING, ONDERSKEIDINGSVERMOË

Ons het dus gesien dat die Ou Testament in drie dele verdeel is: die Wet, die Profete en die Geskrifte. Wat interessant is aan Dr. Smith se aanbieding, is dat hy die idee aanbied dat hierdie drie dele van die Skrif – die manier waarop God onderrig, die pedagogie van onderwys – die openbaring van waarheid op drie verskillende maniere benader. Hy stel voor dat:

  • Die Wet (vyf boeke van Moses) leer deur “verpligtings”, die instruksies, die reëls, wat ‘n mens moet doen.
  • Die Profete leer deur “ontwrigting”, die gevolge van ongehoorsaamheid en God se roeping vir mense om terug te keer na gehoorsaamheid.
  • Die Geskrifte leer deur “onderskeidingsvermoë” en kyk na die lesse in die wêreld, soos om die mier of die lelie van die veld te bestudeer.

Wat my opgeval het van Dr. Smith se tesis, is dat hierdie verdeling van die Skrif in drie verskillende metodes om die waarheid te onderrig, die Integrerende Bewysgebaseerde Benadering beskryf wat ons hier by Come and Reason Ministries bevorder. Basies is dit onderrig deur die integrasie van die drie drade van bewyse wat God gebruik het om waarheid aan die gevalle mensdom te openbaar en waardeur ons Skepper ons die werklikheid leer. En daardie drie drade is:

  • Skrif/goddelike openbaring (2 Timoteus 3:16) – wat met die Wet sou ooreenstem
  • Lewenservarings (Psalm 34:8; Johannes 20:27) – wat met die Profete sou ooreenstem
  • Wetenskap/natuur (Romeine 1:20) – wat ooreenstem met die Geskrifte

Die Wet leer deur goddelike openbaring – God-geïnspireerde direkte openbaring. Byvoorbeeld, God het aan Moses die waarheid geopenbaar van ‘n letterlike sesdaagse skeppingsweek gevolg deur die Sabbat; die oorspronklike sondelose toestand van die mensdom; die versoeking, die val en die vloek wat op die aarde geval het; die beloofde Messias om die gevalle mensdom te verlos; die rebellie en die Vloed; God se plan vir die hele wêreld om geseën te word deur Abraham se Saad (Jesus); die doel van God vir die Joodse nasie om sy evangeliste te wees om die wêreld voor te berei vir die komende Messias; en die onderriginstrument van aanskouingslesse (bv. die heiligdom) om die hele verlossingsplan uit te voer.

Deur die Profete leer God deur lewenservarings – die vermanings, waarskuwings, teregwysings, beloftes en pleidooie gevolg deur die werklike gevolge van die verbreking van vertroue met God, weiering om sy instruksies te volg en sy wysheid te verwerp; maar ook die ervaring van die barmhartigheid, genade en verlossing vir diegene wat deur die pynlike tydelike afdwalingsreis en terugkeer na God gekom het.

En in die Geskrifte leer God deur die wetenskap en die natuur, observeer die konflik tussen goed en kwaad wat oor alle aspekte van die skepping beveg word. Van nadenke oor hoe die werklikheid eintlik werk tot om geïnspireer te word deur die bestendigheid van al God se wette, die betroubaarheid van sy onderhoudende krag en die kompleksiteit van die onderling gekoppelde stelsels van ander-gesentreerde skenking waarop alle lewe gebou is.

Maar vra die diere, en hulle sal jou leer, of die voëls van die lug, en hulle sal jou vertel; of praat met die aarde, en dit sal jou leer, of laat die visse van die see jou inlig (Job 12:7, 8 NIV 84).

Die hemele vertel die eer van God; die uitspansel toon sy handewerk (Psalm 19:1 AFRB’23).

Gaan na die mier, jou luiaard; Dink aan sy weë en word wys! (Spreuke 6:6 NIV 84).

 

DRIE AFDELINGS, EEN BOODSKAP

God is die God van die werklikheid, die Skepper, die bouer van ruimte, tyd, energie, materie, sterre, planete, sterrestelsels en alle lewende wesens (Genesis 1; Johannes 1:3). God is die onderhouer van alle werklikheid (Kolossense 1:17; Hebreërs 1:3). En God se wette is die protokolle waarop die werklikheid funksioneer en werk. Waarheid lei ons altyd terug na God, want God is die bron van alle waarheid. En alle waarheid, wanneer dit reg verstaan word, openbaar ‘n volmaakte harmonie tussen God se openbarings in die Skrif, wetenskap en ons ervarings in die lewe.

Sonde is die oortreding van die wet – die afwyking en oortreding van die protokolle waarop God lewe en gesondheid geskep het om te werk. Sonde, die oortreding van die wette van die lewe, veroorsaak dus pyn, lyding en, tensy dit deur ons Skepper reggestel word, die ewige dood. Hierdie waarheid word in die Skrif geopenbaar (Romeine 6:23; Jakobus 1:15; Galasiërs 6:8), gedemonstreer in wetenskap/natuur; (bv. bind ‘n plastieksak oor ‘n mens se kop en oortree die wet van asemhaling, die gevolg is die dood.); en bevestig deur lewenservarings. Hierdie ewige lesse, hierdie ewige waarhede, word vir ons opgeteken deur goddelike inspirasie in die Ou Testament – in die Wet, die Profete en die Geskrifte.

As God se verteenwoordigers vandag, is dit ons verantwoordelikheid om sy metodes te gebruik, om aktief die integrerende bewysgebaseerde benadering te gebruik, om ewige waarhede met ander te deel, om ligte te wees wat in die duisternis skyn, om mense te leer hoe die werklikheid werk, om denkers te word en nie bloot weerkaatsers van ander mense se gedagtes nie, om volwasse mense te word “wat hulleself deur voortdurende oefening opgelei het om goed van kwaad te onderskei” (Hebreërs 5:14 NIV84), mense wat die denke van Christus het (1 Korinthiërs 2:16) en wat, soos hul Verlosser, God se ewige waarhede kan leer deur die Skrif (Wet), lewenservarings (Profete) en wetenskap/natuur (Geskrifte).

 

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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 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 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, 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 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 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 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

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 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 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 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA