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Истината, воденичен камък и морето

Истината, воденичен камък и морето

В сряда, 25 юни 2008 г., върховният съд на САЩ реши, че не е законно да се екзекутира някой за изнасилване на дете. Заключава се, че екзекуцията e жестоко и необичайно наказание и като такова е противоконституционно.

Няма да коментирам дали решението им е правилно, но когато го чух, първото нещо, което ми дойде на ум, бяха думите на Исус:

„… който приеме едно такова детенце в Мое име, Мен приема. А който съблазни едно от тези малките, които вярват в Мен, за него би било по-добре да се окачеше на врата му воденичен камък, и да потънеше в морските дълбочини” (Матей 18:5-6).

Чудили ли сте се някога защо Исус е използвал толкова силни думи за нараняването на малки деца? В лекцията ми „Възстановяване от сексуално малтретиране” обяснявам какво се случва в мозъка на детето, когато се злоупотребява с него, и се изследват начините да се излекува такава травма. Ако искате да чуете споменатата лекция (на англисйки език, в MP3 формат), кликнете върху тази връзка: Recovering from Sexual Abuse.

Накратко, в детството мозъкът се развива бързо. Активните неврони се запазват, невронните вериги се разширяват, неактивните неврони се изтриват и неактивните системи се разграждат. Невронните вериги на мозъка се променят чрез опит, образование и среда. Децата, с които е злоупотребявано, имат не само психологически увреждания, както и деформации на самооценката, а често и по-развити центрове на тревожност, в допълнение към по-лошото развитие на центровете, които обработват емоциите и успокояват нервната система. Това води до каскада от хормонални и възпалителни реакции в целия организъм и децата, които са жертви на сексуална злоупотреба, израстват с по-висока заболеваемост. Накрая, поради увреждането, повишения страх, несигурността и неспособността да се доверяват, на жертвите на насилие им е по-трудно да влязат в интимни отношения – отношения, изискващи откритост и доверие. Това включва и връзката им с Бога. Много жертви на насилие растат със страх от Бога, с гняв и недоверие към Него, но добрата новина е, че щетите могат да бъдат обратими, мозъчните вериги могат да бъдат подобрени, доверието може да бъде преживяно и мирът – да бъде намерен.

Горното описва, съвсем накратко, някои от последствията, които остават, и защо злоупотребата в детството е толкова опустошителна. Но това не обяснява защо Исус казва, че би било по-добре да се удавиш в океана, отколкото да нараниш дете. Повечето хора, с които съм разговарял, вярват, че Исус заплашва да нанесе тежка болка и страдание на насилниците на деца, но това ли наистина е казал?

Имам много пациенти, които като деца са претърпели насилие от родителите си. По време на процеса на изцеление мнозина желаят родителите им просто да признаят това, което са направили, да поискат прошка от тях или по някакъв начин да осъзнаят своето прегрешение. За съжаление те обикновено не го правят. Питам моите пациенти: „Какво ще се случи в ума на майка ти или в сърцето на баща ти, ако те признаят тежкото насилие, което са извършили над теб? С какво трябва да се справят? Ще има ли вина, срам, разкаяние, отвращение и омраза към себе си?

Ето една истина, която казвам на пациентите си: „Никога не можеш да избегнеш истината. Можеш само да забавиш деня, в който ще се изправиш пред нея“. Можем да се справим с истината за себе си, за собствената си житейска история, за своя характер и грешки тук и сега; и чрез Божията благодат да преживеем прощението, изцелението, възстановяването и в крайна сметка да влезем във вечния живот. Или можем да забавим изправянето пред истината, да я отхвърлим, да я отричаме, да обвиняваме другите… Но ако сега не се занимаем с нея, един ден, когато Христос се върне, всеки човек ще трябва се изправи лице в лице с крайнатa, чистата, цялостната истина. Какво ще бъде в този ден за такива майки и бащи да погледнат в „огледалото“ на пълната истина и да видят себе си такива, каквито са в действителност, без самоизмама, без лъжи и заблуди? Какво ли ще бъде за такъв човек да има пълното съзнание за това, което неговите действия са причинили на детето му? Какво би било тази истина да се разкрие пред съзнанието му пред цялата Вселена? Ако бяхте един от онези неизцелени от Бог и неспасени насилници, не бихте ли предпочели да се удавите в морето, отколкото да изпитате душевната мъка, която ще преживеете в този ден?

Никога не можем да избегнем истината! Можем само да забавим деня, в който ще се изправим пред нея…

 

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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 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

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 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 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

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, 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 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 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 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 25

I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA