COM Newsletter - June 2021
BE ANCHORED IN SCRIPTURE
Christians, beware! We are today treading on very shaky ground as the method of interpreting Scripture has shifted away from “Sola Scriptura” (The Bible and the Bible Alone) to what is called “a new hermeneutic,” a new way of relating to Scripture. More and more we see theologians and Christians interpreting Scripture through the lens of today’s culture. But a true student of Scripture will evaluate today’s culture through the lens of Scripture. The two approaches are diametrically opposed to one another and lead to very conflicting conclusions.
For example, I was recently given the privilege of reviewing the new book circulating now widely throughout the church entitled, “Unclobber.” The author, though well intentioned, I’m sure, goes to great lengths to align Scripture with what he wants to believe regarding the LGBT issue. Going through what I call “exegetical gymnastics,” he systematically explains away every text of Scripture that condemns homosexuality but shares none that condone it. For example:
Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) were destroyed for inhospitality.
The homosexual behavior forbidden in Leviticus 18 and 20 were priestly restrictions, not applicable to the laity. And abominations were “cultural taboos,” not synonymous with “sin.”
The explicit condemnation of homosexuality in Romans 1 does not provide a blanket condemnation of homosexuality nor give biblical grounds to condemn any and all same-sex sex acts. What was culturally shameful for that day is not the same for the culture today.
The explicit mention of the same in 1 Corinthians 6:9,10 and 1 Timothy 1:10 is dismissed as a condemnation for engaging in same-sex prostitution and exploiting others in a sexual way, abusing power and privilege, and selling oneself for sexual favors.
Friends, this approach to Scriptural interpretation will allow anyone to explain away any “plain thus saith the Lord” in which one finds unwanted reproof, correction and instruction, leaving one with a false hope that will only lead to great disappointment in the end of all things.
In His love for us, God has given us very wise and compassionate counsel:
“Whenever the study of the Scriptures is entered upon without a prayerful, humble, teachable spirit, the plainest and simplest as well as the most difficult passages will be wrested from their true meaning. …Leaders select such portions of Scripture as best serve their purpose, interpret to suit themselves, and then present these to the people… The whole Bible should be given to the people just as it reads. It would be better for them not to have Bible instruction at all than to have the teaching of the Scriptures thus grossly misrepresented.”– {GC 521}
The apostle Paul warns, “…they that are unlearned and unstable wrest (remove by force), as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:16)
“The truths most plainly revealed in the Bible have been involved in doubt and darkness by learned men, who, with a pretense of great wisdom, teach that the Scriptures have a mystical, a secret, spiritual meaning not apparent in the language employed. These men are false teachers. It was to such a class that Jesus declared: “Ye know not the Scriptures, neither the power of God.” Mark 12:24. The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed. Christ has given the promise: “If any man will (desires to) do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” John 7:17. If men would but take the Bible as it reads, if there were no false teachers to mislead and confuse their minds, a work would be accomplished that would make angels glad and that would bring into the fold of Christ thousands upon thousands who are now wandering in error.” – {GC 598}
Friend, anchor yourself in Scripture. In this day and age that is your only safeguard. Culture changes rapidly from one generation to the next. But God says, “I am the Lord, I change not.” (Malachi 3:6) He loves you with an everlasting love and only wants what is best for you—quality of life and length of days, even eternal life.
ON THE FENCE
By Lee Forbes
The people in the middle who are sitting on the fence
Assuming by their silence they are causing no offense
Are in a way the perpetrators of the greatest kind
Pretending while they're watching they are deaf and dumb and blind
For choosing to do nothing taking no official stand
Is giving into evil just the way the devil planned
It's giving him allowance to pursue his wicked course
That will one day in judgment cause that person great remorse
For there with all the sinners who repented not from sin
Will they take their position with the devil in the end
As words, “I never knew you” proceed from the Father's mouth
And there in all their anguish they will know there's no way out
For when they could have mattered in the battle against sin
When they denied the option to be lights of truth to men
Their silence gave the dark side greater power than before
And caused the pure and innocent to suffer even more
So friend if you've been silent and been sitting on the fence
Remember how God saw you and did spare of no expense
And though it cost Him dearly far more dearly than you know
He gave His All on Calvary His love for you to show
That you might emulate Him in your burden for mankind
That you might share His purpose one in heart and soul and mind
And face the hoards of demons should that be your purpose here
To waken up the people making all the evil clear
That those who weak and feeble might be strong and take their voice
And fight the fight for heaven helping others make their choice
To stand not in the middle but with God against the foe
And clearly state His purpose that the world the Truth will know
The most important part:
James 1:2-8; 2:14-20
Matthew 18:1-7; 7:21-23
2 Timothy 4:1-8
SPECIAL MESSAGE
Q&A
Question: I am often asked, "Where in the Bible does it say that being gay is a greater sin than any others?" Can you provide scriptures?
Reply: The Bible does not say that being gay is a greater sin than any others. In fact, a careful study of the Word will reveal that there are three sins especially offensive to God: pride, selfishness, and covetousness; homosexuality is not included! These are the three sins that made a devil out of God's beloved Lucifer, breaking His heart, and wreaking havoc in heaven and later here on earth.
However, homosexuality is referred to as an abomination in the Bible, but as one of many abominations. Elsewhere in my books and website is presented the list of abominations I have compiled from the Scriptures. You might find it a good exercise for yourself as well. By making this list, I came to realize that my sin was just as reachable by the plan of salvation as anyone else's sin. This listing was not done to make me feel better about my personal abomination, but rather to make me feel better about the possibility of overcoming.
The apostle Paul encourages us with these words:
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
You, too, need to understand that the wages of your sin is no greater nor less than the wages of the sins of others who may have a particular disdain for your particular habitual sin. For the wages of any sin is death. Yes, the Bible does call homosexuality abomination. The Bible seems to call all sin abomination.
It should especially be noticed, however, in this lineup of abominations that adultery of any kind is included. The heterosexual sinner need not look down his nose with condescension upon the homosexual sinner, for any sexual behavior outside the marriage institution as designed and created by God is sin—abomination. In short, we all need a Savior from sin, from abomination of one kind or another.
Keep looking up!
Victor
Q&A text taken from:
Author: “Victor J. Adamson”
(Ron Woolsey)
TESTIMONY
May 13, 2021
Dear Pastor Ron,
It was awesome for Jesus to open memories of you and the little church you pastored out in Osage, Arkansas years ago. I don’t know if you remember me as a teenager then, but one blessing I received recently was your testimony in a booklet about Sodom and the Vale of Siddim. Lo and behold! There you were, like a letter from home. You see, prison is like living in a different country.
I don’t know what Jesus is doing, but I do know that it is my most craving and desperate desire to be used by Him! As a youth I knew nothing of Christ’s love. I spouted out Bible verses for the purpose of making people think I was a good person, all the while using that projection to cover up my sexual sin and lust. I suffered with same-sex attractions and fed myself pornography daily like a devotion.
When I felt guilty, I would go to church and manipulate the church goers until I received the false affirmation of godliness I craved. I was so deluded and depraved. It is a miracle of God I am alive today and that God has blessed me with spiritual thoughts. Depression slowly encroached upon my joyful demeanor.
I eventually married a non-believer, which was a terrible mistake. She constantly discouraged me from living a clean Christian life. I needed constant affirmation and tried to please her and whoever else I was around. Part of that driving desire to please was due to the words of my Dad, “If you do your duties well I will love you.” Oh! How those words rang in my ears.
I began drinking, then added pain pills, then Valium, beer and liquor together with pornography and online hookup sights, moving ever downward into the depths of hell, depression and demonic attacks. My actions and choices gave Satan the legal right to attack me and assume control of my life.
While falling apart mentally and spiritually, I had success materially with a very nice home and vehicle. But lust knows no satisfaction, and I wanted more, bigger, and better. During this time, I had an online carnal homosexual encounter. And true to the adage, “Be sure your sins will find you out,” I was outed.
I found myself one night high on pills and drunk, hiding in an empty wooded lot nearby with a 20-gauge shotgun barrel in my mouth with the hammer cocked and my finger on the trigger. I then heard in a still small voice, “My grace is sufficient for thee. If you surrender to me, I will guide you out of this mess. I have called you by My name. You belong to me!”
Shaking, I lowered the shotgun and snuck back to the shop and put the gun away. On April 1, 2016 my wife dropped me off at the county jail and I turned myself in to serve 8 years. She divorced me five months later, and she along with our three children are hurting souls. Please pray for them! Another 8 years has since been added to the first 8. The state of Florida defines me as a child sexual predator. But now I can say that is definitely a lie! 1 John 3:1-3 tells me I am bought with a price and paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ. I’m now living a life of love, holiness, and purity because of Him.
In September of 2016 I spent the night crying out to Jesus Christ and He heard me, giving me a peace and protection that is unparalleled. He has saved me from death in here countless times, from gangs and all manner of vulgar violence. His grace has proven to be sufficient for me. His strength is realized in the awareness of my weakness.
I look forward to hearing from you. And please feel free to do as the Lord leads with this little testimony. If it can help but one hurting soul know he is not alone, that he is loved and worth dying for in the eyes Jesus Christ, then it is all worthwhile.
His imprisoned son of freedom,
Daniel L. C.
SPECIAL MESSAGE
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