Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
The Power of a Lie

The Power of a Lie

Today the jury began deliberations to determine the fate of 53-year-old John White.  John White admits to shooting Daniel Cicciaro, a 17 year-old neighbor and friend of his son, Aaron.

 How could such a tragedy happen? A lie was told. A lie was believed, and pain, suffering and death followed.

Here’s what happened: Michael Longo, a friend of John White’s son, Aaron, logged onto Aaron White’s My Space account and sent a message threatening to rape a teenage girl who was a close friend of Daniel Cicciaro. Michael Longo said, under testimony, that he did this as a practical joke. But Daniel Cicciaro believed the threat to be real, so he gathered three other friends to deal with the situation. He called Aaron White repeatedly one evening, threatening him and calling him racist names. He said they were coming over to kill him. Aaron woke his father, and as the four men approached the house, Aaron and John, carrying guns, went out on the porch where they argued with the four men culminating in John White shooting Daniel Cicciaro in the face.  

Daniel Cicciaro believed he was protecting his close friend from being raped. John White believed he was protecting his son from being killed. And now Daniel is dead and John’s future is in the hands of a jury. Why? Why did this tragedy happen? A lie was told, a lie was believed, and no one stopped to implement God’s methods. No one acted in love, no one sought the truth, no one was willing to sacrifice self for the other, but instead each chose to follow the methods of the world – the method of power to crush the other and protect self-interest. 

This sad story reveals all too clearly the war raging on this planet between God’s methods of love and Satan’s methods of survival-of-the-fittest. But this heartbreaking story does even more, it reveals how and why the entire problem of sin and suffering got started in the first place. It shows the power of a lie believed.

God created everything in the universe to operate on love, unmitigated giving, beneficence and regard for others more than oneself. God created all beings to be in unity and harmony. But this unity, harmony and love was broken. How? A lie was told. A lie was believed and pain, suffering and death followed.

Imagine you are married and someone tells you a lie that your spouse is having an affair. If you believe the lie, will something in you change? Will the circle of love and trust get broken? Will the broken love and trust lead to a change in behavior?

This is what happened in Eden. Satan told lies about God. Adam and Eve believed those lies and the circle of love and trust was broken.  Broken love and trust result in fear and selfishness (also known as survival-of-the-fittest).  Fear and selfishness result in acts of sin (destructive behaviors).  Acts of sin result in damage to mind, character and body – a terminal condition.

Daniel Cicciaro believed a lie that Aaron White was going to rape his friend. This lie broke the circle of love and trust shared by these neighbors and friends. Once the circle of love and trust was broken, fear and selfishness arose. Daniel, because he believed the lie, no longer trusted Aaron and, in fact, was now afraid of Aaron, afraid he would rape his friend. His fear and selfishness led him to seek to destroy Aaron – a destructive act, which resulted in pain, suffering and death.

Adam and Eve believed lies about God. The circle of love and trust was broken and, in fear, they ran and hid from God. As they no longer trusted God to look out for their welfare, they became self-focused, self-promoting, and selfish and ate the fruit seeking to become like God (an act of sin). Their condition was now terminal and without divine intervention the human race would die.

But God did not leave us to die in our terminal state but sent His Son to heal the damage, to reveal the truth, to win us back to love and trust and restore His character, His methods, His principles of love in us again. Because of Jesus Christ, we can have the lies purged and experience a new motive, a new principle, a new heart attitude of love for others, real freedom from fear and selfishness. We can live new lives in which we love others more than ourselves!

This healing starts with the truth about God, as revealed in Christ, which wins us back to trust. And in trust we open the heart to receive God’s regenerating love and then become channels of His love to others. We give ourselves in love to uplift and benefit others. How different would things be for the White and Cicciarro families if they would have sought the truth rather than believing the lie, if they would have loved others first.

May we always pursue the truth, the truth about God, experience His love and become a conduit of goodness, beneficence and love!

Merry Christmas

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

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 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 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!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

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 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

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 11

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 74

Thank you so much for opening my eyes. I’ve been through a lot of ministries that just didn’t show the love of God that I felt he was. You have helped me to begin the process of true healing. I thought I was “too far gone,” now I know there’s hope in Jesus, because he loves us beyond what we can comprehend. Thank you again for all you do. I truly appreciate it and pray more people find you (physical at your studio and through this website).

Dalio M.

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 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 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 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 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

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