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The Truth, A Millstone, and the Sea

The Truth, A Millstone, and the Sea

In a 5-4 ruling the Supreme Court of the US decided Wednesday June 25 that it is not legal to execute someone for raping a child. It was determined that execution would constitute cruel and unusual punishment and as such is unconstitutional.

I will not weigh in on whether their decision is the right decision for the law of the USA, but when I heard the ruling the first thing that came to my mind were Jesus words:

And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. but if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.  Matthew 18:5,6

Have you ever wondered why Jesus spoke such powerful words regarding hurting little children? In my lecture Recovering from Sexual Abuse I explain what happens in the brain of a child when they are abused and explore ways to heal from such trauma. If you would like to listen to this lecture (MP3), click this link: Recovering from Sexual Abuse.

In brief, during childhood the brain is undergoing rapid development. Active neurons are kept, neural circuitry expands, idle neurons are deleted, and idle systems degrade. The neural circuitry of the brain is being modified by experience, education, and environment. Thus children who are abused not only have psychological damage, relational damage,and  self-image damage, they often have over development of anxiety centers and under development of those centers which process emotions and calm the system. This leads to a cascade of hormonal and inflammatory reactions throughout the body and over the course of their life children who are victims of abuse grow up to have higher rates of illness. Finally, because of the damage to the self, the increased fear, insecurity, and damage in the ability to trust, victims of abuse have a more difficult time entering into intimate relationships; relationships with genuine openness and trust. This includes a relationship with God. Many abuse victims grow up with fear of God, anger at God, and distrust of God, but the good news is that the damage can be healed, brain circuitry can be improved, trust can be experienced, and peace can be found.

The above describes, in a very brief overview, some of the damage which occurs and why childhood abuse is so devastating, but it doesn’t explain why Jesus said it would be better to be drowned in the ocean than to do this to a child. Most people I have talked to believe Jesus was threatening to inflict severe pain and suffering upon child abusers, but is that what He was saying?

I have many patients who, as children, have suffered abuse from their parents. During the process of healing many wish their parents would simply admit what they have done and ask forgiveness or in some way acknowledge their transgression, but sadly they generally never do. I ask my patients, “What would happen in your mother’s mind or your father’s heart if they were to acknowledge the severe abuse they perpetrated upon you? What would they have to deal with? Would there be guilt, shame, remorse, self-loathing, self-disgust, and self-hatred?”

There is a truth I tell my patients, “You can never avoid the truth.  You can only delay the day you deal with the truth.”  We can deal with the truth about ourselves, our histories, our characters, and our mistakes here and now and in God’s grace experience forgiveness, healing, restoration, regeneration, and ultimately eternal life. Or we can delay dealing with the truth, put it off, deny, externalize, project, blame, and scapegoat others, but if we don’t deal with the truth now, one day when Christ comes back each person will then come face to face with ultimate truth. What will it be like on that day for such a mother, for such a father, to look into the mirror of undiluted truth and see their own selves as they really are, no self-distortion, no lies, just the plain truth? What will it be like for such a person to have full awareness of what their actions did to their child? What will it be like to have this truth sear through their mind in front of the entire universe? If you were one of those unhealed, unsaved abusers would you rather drown in the sea than experience the anguish of soul that will be theirs on that day?

We can never avoid the truth.  We can only delay the day we deal with it.

I invite you to deal with the truth of your life today, under the umbrella of God’s grace, God’s love, and God’s goodness and experience healing, restoration, and ultimately eternal life.
 

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I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

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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.

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L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

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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

 

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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.

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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H. S., Australia

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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