COM Newsletter - August 2020
CONCERNED,
BUT NOT IN CRISIS
Looking out upon the political, social, and spiritual world today, do we find ourselves to be in a state of crisis? The land is filled with violence. The knowledge of God is being obliterated. Every imagination of the heart of secular man appears to be evil continually. War, crime and murder seem to define “the new normal.” Christian principles are being mocked and ridiculed. Mobs are resorting to acts of violence and crime if their desires and passions are interfered with. Inclination and passion override reason.
Actually, what we see is a repeat of the history the days of Noah and Lot. “So shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” (Luke 17:26-29)
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5)
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” (Genesis 6:11)
Now that gay marriage has been ruled constitutional by the Supreme Court, polygamy and polyamory are being decriminalized and normalized as well by state legislatures.
We are also warned that our country shall repudiate every principle of its constitution as a Protestant and republican government. This includes freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.
As my little children used to say when on some long journey, “Are we there yet…?”
How should we meet this present global crisis?
Our loving heavenly Father has forewarned us so that in concern we might be more motivated to fulfill the gospel commission with zeal, ambition and determination.
How would Jesus operate under today’s circumstances? He could have addressed all the divisive political and social issues of His day.
“But He would not spare a moment from teaching the science of salvation. His time, His faculties, and His life were appreciated and used only as the means for working out the salvation of the souls of men. He had come to seek and to save that which was lost, and He would not be turned from His purpose. He allowed nothing to divert Him.” (The Ministry of Healing, p.448)
In this time of global crisis, may we be faithful in following His example, focusing our concern also on working out the salvation of the souls of men.
ASHLEY’S TESTIMONY
Q&A
Testimonial: An interesting point of view: the link between temperance and victorious living.
I have more of a remark than a question. For a long time now, I have been struggling with the burden of unwanted sexual sins. I'd seemingly gain victories only to find myself crashing down in defeat again. Bible promises were repeated, agonized prayers were offered, but to no avail. I believed I was trusting Jesus and looking to Him for salvation, but I was ignoring a very fundamental issue that I didn't realize was standing in the way of God's help and grace. It was my diet that was rich in spicy sauces, gravies, meats, pizzas, rich cheeses, sweets, Cokes, Pepsis, and even an occasional beer. Also I liked to "stuff" myself so full that I could hardly walk! All of these pleasures were hindrances to gaining the total victory over my besetting sins. It wasn't until I started heeding the scriptural counsel offered in the book Counsels on Diet and Foods that I started to gain true victories in my battles. A simple diet is advised, free from those elements that harm the digestive system and the body as a whole.
I also noticed the biblical mandates offered in God's Word for living a healthful life. I would suggest every one of your readers take a long, intense inventory of their dietary lifestyle and see if it measures up to God's original plan. Fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains, pure water, and a temperate intake routine has helped me take hold of the rich source of power offered by Christ in His Holy Word, now that my mind is freed from the enervating and debilitating habits of my former life.
Please examine this point of view, Pastor Ron. Of course, diet is not the sole answer to the problems we face, nor is it the one single key to victory, but possibly we ourselves are the biggest obstacles to God's plan for our lives.
Reply: Wow! You hit one nail right on the head. That is great insight on your part. You are absolutely right. As you have read in the book Counsels on Diet and Foods, I'm sure, there is much counsel about the influence of intemperance on behavior, how it actually brings out the animal instincts in mankind.
Thank you for your thoughts. You make a very good and important point.
Victor J. Adamson (Pastor Ron)
Q&A text taken from:
SPECIAL INVITATION
Join ‘Coming Out’ Ministries in celebrating our 10 year Anniversary. Addressing the topics that are major issues in the church today, “Coming Together” will provide sessions on parenting, hope, victory, power and encouragement. We will Inspire, Enlighten and Equip YOU to handle the onslaught of worldly sexuality and how to show divine compassion in connection with Jesus Christ to claim the power and grace that is afforded us through the Word of God. Check out our lineup as we prepare to bring healing into a larger realm of ministry for those looking for real answers from God and His Word.
TESTIMONY
Testimony of a Parent:
Being the only child of my mother’s liaison with a landowner, I spent little time with him and was not very welcome by my other half siblings growing up. My father died just when I became a confused teenager.
Having been brought up in a very dysfunctional family, I left home early with no education but a strong back and did whatever job came forward. I spent most of my life trying to fit into different groups such as Buddhists, feeling happy that I belonged somewhere.
God watched over me, and I eventually was attracted to an elderly Christian couple that my husband and I studied the Bible with. These studies made perfect sense and gave me a sure foundation. However, somehow I completely missed the message of Christ our righteousness.
Being a workaholic, raised as a Catholic and a New Ager, I was accustomed to many rules and quickly fit into the mold of legalism. My husband and I raised our 2 children in a busy lifestyle, growing all of our own food and home schooling. We also took in many needy people over the years, working diligently to feed them and make them feel welcome. That gave me satisfaction and made me feel better about myself, easing my lifelong perception of rejection.
Our children’s emotional needs came second, leaving them experiencing rejection.
My dear husband came out of a turbulent rebellious home and attracted to himself many religious groups that were not satisfied with the leadership of the church. I didn’t care, as I was the comforter of those that just didn’t fit in anywhere. I always wanted to please at any cost, willing to enable those that were unstable in their own relationships and stations in life.
None of us discussed our conversion experiences.
Looking back, I was a constant self-hater and wanted to please everyone. If any situation made me uncomfortable I would just go to another enabler. Years later I learned of my own codependency. Then began my healing journey.
Why do I mention all this?
Our daughter left home to find her own self worth following her mother’s example of always helping the “underdog and enabler.” Although a hard worker and very studious and successful in education, she was extremely insecure and easily taken advantage of. I did not have a nurturing relationship with my mother and followed her example with our daughter.
All her partners, like herself, needed nurturing and acceptance.
Only God knows the role that I played in causing her to follow the gay lifestyle. But she is now ”married” to a lovely lady that is very nurturing, giving her the constant security and admiration that she did not get being raised in a racist neighborhood.
I found healing for myself through Paul Conneff’s “Straight to the Heart Ministry,” learning to serve others in love through finally understanding and experiencing the love God has for me.
My husband has also been healed of his rebellion and is lovingly supportive to our 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Perhaps at another time he is willing to share his story.
Pray for us, for our relationship needs further healing and rebuilding.
–Simone
ASHLEY’S TESTIMONY
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‘Coming Out’ Ministries at PO Box 107, Tilly, AR 72679.
May God bless you for your support!