COM Newsletter - June 2022
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT
For most of us, the warmer climate is here! The sun’s shining, flowers are blooming and the trees have their green leaves again. The seasonal weather teaches us how temporary the seasons of our life are. Though moments of difficulty arrise, sometimes longer than others, we have a pleasant reminder. Isaiah 41:10 tells us, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
As the winds of this world may blow upon us and Satan tries to do the utmost to trouble us, we know that we can stand tall like a tree for God is with us. He promises to strengthen us as we look to Him with confidence. We have the responsibility of choosing Christ even when are feelings may say otherwise. As a father helps a little child, so will our Heavenly Father help us. While the warmer months are here and we no longer have to shovel snow for awhile, may we bask in His warm embrace as He lightens our load.
SPECIAL INVITATION
Q&A
Question: Why can’t Christians just love and accept homosexuals as they are?
Reply: Two texts of Scripture immediately come to mind when faced with this question:
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:14)
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. (Revelation 14:6)
“What's the point?” you may ask. The point is that Jesus cannot come again until every “people” have at least been presented with the message that there is a way out of their personal lifestyle of habitual sin. This way out is the good news, the gospel. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). And Jesus, in infinite, unconditional love for and acceptance of the sinner, then came to save his people from their sins, of whatever nature (Matthew 1:21).
The true Christian will love the homosexual sinner as he is—unconditionally, but his acceptance of the homosexual will be with the endeavor to lead him to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The homosexual sinner, like all other sinners, then must decide either to accept or to reject the salvation from sin that Jesus came to offer. To reject Christ's efforts to change the life is, in essence, to rebel against His unconditional love, acceptance, and infinite sacrificial effort that the homosexual also might be set free at last.
For the Christian, true love is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin or to not address the issue of a lifestyle of sin that will lead to perdition. While we are to love the souls for whom Christ died, we are to make no compromise with evil. We are not to unite with the rebellious and call this love. God requires His people in this age to stand for the right as unflinchingly as did the apostles of old in opposition to soul destroying errors, heresies, and lifestyles that receive the wages of sin—eternal death.
Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins [to deliver us from sinful practices] ... Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not [forsakes his sinful lifestyle]: whosoever sinneth (chooses to continue in his sinful lifestyle] hath not seen him, neither known him. (1 John 3:4-6)
Why can’t Christians just love and accept homosexuals as they are? Because true love will not leave the victims of Satan’s deception, vice, and cunning to suffer eternal loss without making every effort to rescue them. To do otherwise is the utmost cruelty and even deception. Acceptance without leading to reform is the easy way out for the Christian steward. It is shirking the gospel commission, a betrayal of our trust, a breach of our allegiance and obedience toward our God, and it is giving in to the enemy, Satan, who is constantly seeking to deceive the followers of Christ with his fatal sophistry that it is impossible for them to overcome. In short, it is treason against the kingdom of God and the utmost cruelty toward the homosexual who is in need of his Savior.
True Christian love and acceptance will not compromise with evil, but will kindly show the Way to victory, tell truth about sin and the life free from besetting sin.
Q&A text taken from:
Author: “Victor J. Adamson”
(Ron Woolsey)
TESTIMONY
As it’s been a little over a year since my dad passed away, I’ve learned so much about God and grief. My dad was aware of my battles with porn/sex addiction and bisexuality. I remember telling him my fears of potentially going back to my old ways as a means to cope with the pain of his possible passing.
Though plans were in motion to see him, due to stringent Philippines Covid Travel guidelines, I wasn’t able to see him in time. The pain (as I’m sure some of you may have/are experiencing) is indescribable. The meaning of life has been in constant question as several other relatives have passed away, as well, within these past 2 years.
Despite the disruption grief brings to life, I’ve become determined to grieve responsibly. It can be a time of evaluation and profound experience, especially in understanding God. Job said, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21)
This verse has taken on a new meaning for me in the past year as I’ve been learning more of God’s sovereignty. Only He has the capability of gifting and of putting to rest an individual. A harsh reality, but a humbling truth. As my dad was precious to my existence, I’ve learned to be thankful for the years I did have with him.
Starting my addiction recovery years ago gave me the opportunity to reconcile with him. But more Importantly, that recovery journey prepared me for this most challenging time. Having learned healthy coping mechanisms, these same coping strategies are now playing a major role in my day to day existence. In the midst of suffering, God is still good.
Kezia
SPECIAL INVITATION
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