COM Newsletter - January 2021
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT
We are living in a time when there is so much darkness and confusion. It is such a blessing to turn to God's word for clarity and truth. Light shines in when we turn to Him to find our true identity. We are who He says we are!
So, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD!" Isaiah 1:18
My friends, we are:
ADOPTED
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,”
Galatians 4:6&7
“And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God!”
CHOSEN
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
FAVORED
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
REDEEMED
Colossians 1:14
“in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Psalm 111:9
“He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever— holy and awesome is his name.”
Galatians 4:5
“to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
Revelation 5:9
“And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.”
Hebrews 9:12
“He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
FORGIVEN
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Isaiah 43:25&26
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence.”
Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,”
BLESSED
Ephesians 1:3-5
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—”
2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
LOVED
1 John 3:16
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”
Romans 8:37-39
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
SPECIAL MESSAGE
Q&A
Follow-up Question: But what about Gay Rights? Some argue that gays and lesbians just want the same rights as other people living in a de facto relationship, such rights as health coverage, acceptance as families, next of kin rights, and so forth.
Further Reply: All choices, by definition, are a process of elimination of other options. All choices have results and consequences. However, like sinners in general, homosexual activists want choice without elimination and without consequences. They are not satisfied with society's tolerance; they want acceptance. They want protection. They want the special privileges of a minority status. They will not be satisfied until their perversion is celebrated and promoted. There seemingly is no end to their desires and demands. Why?
The roots of homosexuality, like those of all other sins, are pride, selfishness, and covetousness. These are the three sins that are especially offensive to God; they are the three sins that made a devil out of the covering cherub Lucifer, and the three sins that can never be satisfied.
All choices require submission to certain parameters and a giving up of certain other rights. This applies to most aspects of life: selecting a vehicle, ordering a meal, choosing a major in education, choosing a career, getting licensed, getting married, having children, and becoming a Christian. All of these choices require discipline and self-denial, and selection to the exclusion of many other fine options.
Choosing the homosexual lifestyle also automatically results in the exclusion of other rights and privileges. Choosing sin over obedience is choosing the wages of sin over the gift of God.
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)
Becoming a true Christian results in a life of self-discipline, self-sacrifice, self-denial, and selfless-ness. It is a rejection of the wages of sin, and a joyful acceptance of the gift of God, which is eternal life!
In light of eternal realities, may we choose to follow the example of Moses who, by faith:
When he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. (Hebrews 11:24-26)
Victor
Q&A text taken from:
TESTIMONY
Invitations, A parent's testimony:
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2&3
Today I share part of my testimony and journey with ‘Coming Out’ Ministries. I have a long and precious friendship with Michael Carducci; I praise God for our over 30 year fellowship. September 13, 2019 our walk together took a new, unexpected and painful turn. That day I turned to God with screams of agony as I felt my world collapse! “God what is happening! God where are you! WHAT are you doing? Where is your protection? HELP!!!!!” Crushed by the revelation of our child's choices and behavior I turned to our trusted friend Michael. Balm! Hope! An invitation!
Friday morning I dialed in; the COM prayerline. I was met with love, compassion, understanding and brothers and sisters to hold me up. The pain did not leave but God's comfort abounded! It all started with my desperation for God to rescue our child; little did I know what God was doing in me. Midst the safety and fellowship of the prayerline God is growing me. I should at this point disclose that I am a disciple of Jesus but not a Seventh Day Adventist. I say that present tense because Abba is not done. I know it!
Friday “attendance” on the prayerline led to another invitation in January, “Luncheon at Myla's.” Despite huge hurdles, and enemy schemes, I WENT! I was nervous, “would I behave ok? Would I be truly welcomed? What if I was judged because I go to Church on Sunday?” Oh my mind was racing and my heart too as I flew across the country. I was greeted at the little, somewhat rural, airport by my dear old friend Mike and my now new friend, Kent! Relief! Joy! Welcome!
Truly, I could go on and on about the time spent together in Kent and Myla's home. Today, I want to share about a particular seed God planted in my heart that weekend, my first Sabbath! As sunset struck, a joy, peace, and Worship washed over the space. Amazing food, Joyous Hymns, Testimony, Prayer and REST WITH GOD undid me! Sabbath somehow set aside our pain as we nestled in with God! I watched closely and saw those gathered sharing something transforming. I wanted more! “Hmmmmm, Father, what are You up to?”
July was blessed with Michael visiting our home! His much anticipated visit came and frankly, my “gift” of hospitality fell short as many stressors were weighing upon our home. I was embarrassed! I felt so vulnerable and exposed; exactly where God needed me to be to receive the next invitation. Oh, His ways are mysterious and wondrous! I was completely vulnerable ready for God's next move! As the hours were short before Mike's departure on July 6th a conversation began. With patience and grace Mike led me through scripture about Sabbath. He shared testimony! We prayed! Our family kept our first Sabbath July 11th!
As I turn to God, seeking His formation, He faithfully grows me. The next step on my journey in Him, become a Sabbath Keeper! I am still settling into the rhythm. I am thankful for my husband and son coming alongside; somehow trusting God and I in this next step of our walk with Him. I continue to be blessed beyond measure by my Prayerline family; ceaseless encouragement and even Zoom Sabbath study. God's provision and formula for success! WOW!
As I reflect this day, I am in AWE of how God works in my heart through trials. With a surrendered heart He does His best work! This trial with our child is so hard. Through this trial God is changing me. He wastes nothing! I don't want this trial; however, I do want more of God and want to be fully transformed into a daughter that glorifies Him. I trust God with our loved one!
Now we are Sabbath Keepers! “God, what's next?”
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Stay tuned!
SPECIAL MESSAGE
Please consider making a donation to our ministry to help spread the message of God’s love and redemption! Kindly visit our website www.comingoutministries.org and select the Donate button, or you may send a check or money order directly to
‘Coming Out’ Ministries at PO Box 107, Tilly, AR 72679.
May God bless you for your support!