Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
James 4: 4 NKJV
How bad do you want to fit in? Almost every place we go these days we have cliques of people around us. Be it at work, school or even church, we see groups of people seperating themselves from others. I don't like to say that some of these groups exalt themselves above other people, but sometimes this is the case. This is most prevalent in our school systems, where kids and teens who don't "fit in" are often harassed, teased and abused all because they are different from the "In" people. Think this only happens in schools? Well, I've seen it happen in the workplace and in church as well. What makes people behave this way? I believe it's a desire to hold ourselves above others, to be accepted. So, what is someone of the christian faith to do when faced with this situation? When we desire friendship, will we compromise our faith to achieve it? The book of James makes it clear, if we desire friendship with the world, we will have enmity with God. The word Enmity can be described as a "Deep rooted hatred." So, taken literaly, if we have friendship with the world then we have a "Deep rooted hatred for God." Think this is harsh language? Well, I believe that the bible is the word of God, and no amount of political correctness is needed to interpret it. So, what are we to do if our desire to fit in collides with our religious faith? First, I believe that fitting in with whatever clique of people if out there is in no way worth compromising our beliefs and morals. That being said, there have been times when I have chosen to be a part of the "In" crowd, but I've managed to keep my integrity thankfully. Most of the time it was using bad language simply because some others around me were doing the same. Did I participate in any Hazings or abusive behavior? No, but what I did was still wrong. Hard to believe from such a loveable sort as myself huh? Also, alot has been said recently about bullying in our schools. This is the very same behavior the book of James is speaking of. If your kids are engaged in this behavior, PLEASE have a talk with them. It never feels good to be on the outside looking in, a stranger among other people. We don't need to compromise our faith when confronted with rejection by others. In fact, God may be working through us to bring another person to Jesus.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Things Are Tough All Over
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. And if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receieve anything from the Lord; he is a double minde man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1: 2-8 NKJV
I've heard this verse in James mentioned countless times to guide and encourage us as we go through trials of life. If there's one thing the scriptures are clear about, is that WE WILL face trials in this life. These trials can be common troubles faced by everyone, or unique to one individual. Whatever they are, they can shake our lives when they come. Don't be misled by seeing the lives of others who outwardly seem to be doing well, many people hide the troubles they are going through and put on mask that everything is fine. I know I did many times. Alot has been said and written as to why God allows his children to go through such difficult times. That answer is provided for us already.
Therefore, having been justifed by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have acces by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance character, and character hope. Now hope does not disapoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the holy spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5: 2-5 NKJV
For those of us not used to the parlance of that day, "Tribulation" means trials. We now have two places in scripture that tell us to rejoice in the trials that God has told us would come. Trust me, there's more. We get a glimpse of why God allows trials in the lives of believers in both Romans and James, but allow me to introduce you to a man of faith named Job.
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was JOb; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.
Job 1:1 NKJV
So, this man Job, seemes as if he is a man of God and faith whom God would favor right? Well, along came Satan the accuser to bring tribulation onto Jobs life, and God allowed it. We've all heard of the trials of Job and all that he lost, literally everything he had. In the midst of all of this chaos we see Jobs perfect response to the trials he's in.
Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Job 2:9 NKJV
How many of us can even come close to making this claim? As the trials of life swirl around us, we stop and say to ourselves "Shall we accept good from God and not adversity?" When I've gone through these times, at times my first inclanation is to get angry and question Gods motives. Lord, I'm a christian, why are you allowing this? Contrary to popular belief, we christians are not immune from adversity. How should we handle ourselves when these times come? Well, we'd do well to recognize that God has a purpose for allowing these times in our lives. More often than not, he may be using these times to grow us. Yeah, that sounds like cheap advice to someone who's gooing through a rough time, but it's true. That is why our own testimonies are so incredibly valuable, because we can use those times when we've been hurting to help others who are going through their own adversity. Somehow, I feel that's how God set things up anyway.
~Scott~
James 1: 2-8 NKJV
I've heard this verse in James mentioned countless times to guide and encourage us as we go through trials of life. If there's one thing the scriptures are clear about, is that WE WILL face trials in this life. These trials can be common troubles faced by everyone, or unique to one individual. Whatever they are, they can shake our lives when they come. Don't be misled by seeing the lives of others who outwardly seem to be doing well, many people hide the troubles they are going through and put on mask that everything is fine. I know I did many times. Alot has been said and written as to why God allows his children to go through such difficult times. That answer is provided for us already.
Therefore, having been justifed by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have acces by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance character, and character hope. Now hope does not disapoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the holy spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5: 2-5 NKJV
For those of us not used to the parlance of that day, "Tribulation" means trials. We now have two places in scripture that tell us to rejoice in the trials that God has told us would come. Trust me, there's more. We get a glimpse of why God allows trials in the lives of believers in both Romans and James, but allow me to introduce you to a man of faith named Job.
There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was JOb; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.
Job 1:1 NKJV
So, this man Job, seemes as if he is a man of God and faith whom God would favor right? Well, along came Satan the accuser to bring tribulation onto Jobs life, and God allowed it. We've all heard of the trials of Job and all that he lost, literally everything he had. In the midst of all of this chaos we see Jobs perfect response to the trials he's in.
Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!" But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Job 2:9 NKJV
How many of us can even come close to making this claim? As the trials of life swirl around us, we stop and say to ourselves "Shall we accept good from God and not adversity?" When I've gone through these times, at times my first inclanation is to get angry and question Gods motives. Lord, I'm a christian, why are you allowing this? Contrary to popular belief, we christians are not immune from adversity. How should we handle ourselves when these times come? Well, we'd do well to recognize that God has a purpose for allowing these times in our lives. More often than not, he may be using these times to grow us. Yeah, that sounds like cheap advice to someone who's gooing through a rough time, but it's true. That is why our own testimonies are so incredibly valuable, because we can use those times when we've been hurting to help others who are going through their own adversity. Somehow, I feel that's how God set things up anyway.
~Scott~
In Relation To Giving
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV
We've all heard the phrase "Give until it hurts" either from the pulpit or from another christian friend. To me, this idea misrepresents what Paul was trying to get across in 2 Corinthians 2:7. If we give because we are "made" or guilted into giving, won't this bring resentment in the giver? The true heart of a person is shown when they give of what they have without being asked. In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus gave a powerful lesson on giving.
Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So he called his disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livlihood."
Mark 12: 41-44 NKJV
Now, if anyone knew the true heart of a giver when he saw it, it was our Lord Jesus. If we agree that God loves a cheerful giver, which of these did God treasure? Granted, we're not told if the rich gave out of compulsion, but they didn't give all that they had either. They certainly didn't "Give till it hurt."
I believe that the much used (and abused) scripture in Malachi 3:10 has been misrepresented by many of us today, although it doesn't surprise me at all. To put this into context, we need to remember that the priestly order of the Isrealites, the tribe of Levi, were not allowed to be employed, but were to minister to the people of Isreal. So, without income gained from employment, how were the priests of the nation of Isreal to survive? THAT'S where the tithe comes in. The Isrealites were to bring their tithes to the storehouses in order to support the priests of Isreal. Well, apparently in the days of Malachi the prophet, Isreal wasn't doing too good at this.
"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed you?' In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in my house, And try me now in this," Says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.
Malachi 3: 8-10 NKJV
Robbing God? That's a pretty strong accusation! However, if it's God saying they were robbing him, it's not a accusation but the truth. Yet, even in rebuking the Isrealites, God shows his love and grace by instructing them to give and they will be blessed. Once again, Gods grace is shown to all of Isreal. Now, since the tithe was given to support the priests of the land of Isreal, are we to tithe today to support our local pastors and churches? Well, since the Tithe Malachi was refering to was a part of the "Old Covenant," I'd say no. First off, the Isrealites didn't have multi million dollar "Mega Churches" that needed to be financialy supported. I know this opinion may not be popular, but I'm not about being popular. Given the choice of following Jesus or being popular, I'll follow Jesus every time. That is the reason I get irked every time I hear a pastor say "Give until it hurts and you'll be blessed." I know in my heart that the blessings of my God are not for sale!
~Scott~
2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV
We've all heard the phrase "Give until it hurts" either from the pulpit or from another christian friend. To me, this idea misrepresents what Paul was trying to get across in 2 Corinthians 2:7. If we give because we are "made" or guilted into giving, won't this bring resentment in the giver? The true heart of a person is shown when they give of what they have without being asked. In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus gave a powerful lesson on giving.
Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So he called his disciples to Himself and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livlihood."
Mark 12: 41-44 NKJV
Now, if anyone knew the true heart of a giver when he saw it, it was our Lord Jesus. If we agree that God loves a cheerful giver, which of these did God treasure? Granted, we're not told if the rich gave out of compulsion, but they didn't give all that they had either. They certainly didn't "Give till it hurt."
I believe that the much used (and abused) scripture in Malachi 3:10 has been misrepresented by many of us today, although it doesn't surprise me at all. To put this into context, we need to remember that the priestly order of the Isrealites, the tribe of Levi, were not allowed to be employed, but were to minister to the people of Isreal. So, without income gained from employment, how were the priests of the nation of Isreal to survive? THAT'S where the tithe comes in. The Isrealites were to bring their tithes to the storehouses in order to support the priests of Isreal. Well, apparently in the days of Malachi the prophet, Isreal wasn't doing too good at this.
"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed you?' In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed me, Even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in my house, And try me now in this," Says the Lord of hosts, "If I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.
Malachi 3: 8-10 NKJV
Robbing God? That's a pretty strong accusation! However, if it's God saying they were robbing him, it's not a accusation but the truth. Yet, even in rebuking the Isrealites, God shows his love and grace by instructing them to give and they will be blessed. Once again, Gods grace is shown to all of Isreal. Now, since the tithe was given to support the priests of the land of Isreal, are we to tithe today to support our local pastors and churches? Well, since the Tithe Malachi was refering to was a part of the "Old Covenant," I'd say no. First off, the Isrealites didn't have multi million dollar "Mega Churches" that needed to be financialy supported. I know this opinion may not be popular, but I'm not about being popular. Given the choice of following Jesus or being popular, I'll follow Jesus every time. That is the reason I get irked every time I hear a pastor say "Give until it hurts and you'll be blessed." I know in my heart that the blessings of my God are not for sale!
~Scott~
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Comfort, not Preaching
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may bebable to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
What do you say to someone who has been hurt so badly? I am of the belief that the last thing that someone who is hurting wants to hear is another "preachy" bible verse on how God can comfort them. Grief, hurt and pain are real to someone who is going through it, and many times scripture just can't heal those wounds. Although the bible is filled with scripture meant to comfort those in need, all too often when we are going through that fire those verses are the farthest thing from our mind. So, how do we comfort those among us who are hurting? When confronted with those who were hurting, Jesus never used the opportunity to remind someone of the word of God. Although Jesus definately knew the scriptures, his heart in these times was to comfort the afflicted and not to teach them. Teaching would come later.
For me, personaly, having a group of christian friends to surround me in times when I was hurting has meant alot to me. When my mother underwent surgery to remove a tumor on her brain in 2009, I was blessed to have such a group of men stand beside me to lift me up. The doctor had informed us that there was a good chance my mom would not survive her surgery, and this shook me. I didn't need a preacher to recite to me bible verses, I needed a FRIEND. Thankfully, I had a few brothers in Christ who came beside me to remind me of Gods love and grace. I still consider a few of these men VERY close to me today. Did God present this season in my life to develop relationships with these brothers? I'm not sure, but it's certainly not out of his reach to do that. Sometimes just coming beside someone who's hurting can mean more than ANY bible verse can teach us...or someone else.
~Scott~
2 Corinthians 1: 3-4
What do you say to someone who has been hurt so badly? I am of the belief that the last thing that someone who is hurting wants to hear is another "preachy" bible verse on how God can comfort them. Grief, hurt and pain are real to someone who is going through it, and many times scripture just can't heal those wounds. Although the bible is filled with scripture meant to comfort those in need, all too often when we are going through that fire those verses are the farthest thing from our mind. So, how do we comfort those among us who are hurting? When confronted with those who were hurting, Jesus never used the opportunity to remind someone of the word of God. Although Jesus definately knew the scriptures, his heart in these times was to comfort the afflicted and not to teach them. Teaching would come later.
For me, personaly, having a group of christian friends to surround me in times when I was hurting has meant alot to me. When my mother underwent surgery to remove a tumor on her brain in 2009, I was blessed to have such a group of men stand beside me to lift me up. The doctor had informed us that there was a good chance my mom would not survive her surgery, and this shook me. I didn't need a preacher to recite to me bible verses, I needed a FRIEND. Thankfully, I had a few brothers in Christ who came beside me to remind me of Gods love and grace. I still consider a few of these men VERY close to me today. Did God present this season in my life to develop relationships with these brothers? I'm not sure, but it's certainly not out of his reach to do that. Sometimes just coming beside someone who's hurting can mean more than ANY bible verse can teach us...or someone else.
~Scott~
Bad Company
For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the gentiles - when we walked in lewdness,lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you
1 Peter 4: 3-4 NKJV
I've lost count of how mmany times I've heard the complaint before. In fact, I've made it myself. Sitting in a group of christian guys, someone inevitably will confess that he fell victim to trying to "fit in with the crowd." Whether it be profanity, lusts or some other bad behaviour, they are dismayed at how it easy it was to drift away from God. I can offer some insight from my past experiences. I am a christian, I follow God and try to strengthen my relationship with Jesus daily. However, in the past when I've been surrounded by unbelievers on a regular basis (work, personal relationships) I've found that there are times when I try to "fit in" with these people, engaging in their crude behaviour. Profanity, lust, lying you name it, I've been suckered into it. All in the hope of being "One of the guys." My mom, in her discernment, would often smack me over the head verbaly when she found I was acting in a certain way that she knew was not my true self. "Did you learn that from the guys at work?" she would say when my behavior reflected something I wasn't. What could I say to defend myself? I knew in my heart it was true! Once again, I would be convicted of my bad behavior. What made her "intervention" effective was that she wasn't doing it out of spite, but out of her love for me. We can all learn something from her. Anyway, I digress. More often than not, after being peirced with this truth, I was forced to take a look at what I had been doing. Yes, often appolagies were offered to those I offended. However, you'd think I would learn my lesson and stray from such behavior? That would be too easy I guess. I guess it's true that bad company corrupts good morals. On the possitive side, we can all use our experiences of trying to fit in with the world around us to help others who are struggling. What better way to reach out to someone than from someone who's already been there :)
~Scott~
1 Peter 4: 3-4 NKJV
I've lost count of how mmany times I've heard the complaint before. In fact, I've made it myself. Sitting in a group of christian guys, someone inevitably will confess that he fell victim to trying to "fit in with the crowd." Whether it be profanity, lusts or some other bad behaviour, they are dismayed at how it easy it was to drift away from God. I can offer some insight from my past experiences. I am a christian, I follow God and try to strengthen my relationship with Jesus daily. However, in the past when I've been surrounded by unbelievers on a regular basis (work, personal relationships) I've found that there are times when I try to "fit in" with these people, engaging in their crude behaviour. Profanity, lust, lying you name it, I've been suckered into it. All in the hope of being "One of the guys." My mom, in her discernment, would often smack me over the head verbaly when she found I was acting in a certain way that she knew was not my true self. "Did you learn that from the guys at work?" she would say when my behavior reflected something I wasn't. What could I say to defend myself? I knew in my heart it was true! Once again, I would be convicted of my bad behavior. What made her "intervention" effective was that she wasn't doing it out of spite, but out of her love for me. We can all learn something from her. Anyway, I digress. More often than not, after being peirced with this truth, I was forced to take a look at what I had been doing. Yes, often appolagies were offered to those I offended. However, you'd think I would learn my lesson and stray from such behavior? That would be too easy I guess. I guess it's true that bad company corrupts good morals. On the possitive side, we can all use our experiences of trying to fit in with the world around us to help others who are struggling. What better way to reach out to someone than from someone who's already been there :)
~Scott~
Friday, August 28, 2015
Running On Faith
Now faith is the substance of thngs hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which ar seen were not made of things that are visible.
Hebrews 11: 1-3 NKJV
What do we say when someone asks why we believe in God? Many times we need to be careful as our answer may ultimately lead a person to Jesus. When I'm asked why I believe in God, my response usualy runs along the lines of that old Sunday school song..."The Bible tells me so!" Indeed, scripture can provide us with many quotes and stories of why we should believe in God, but it is we ourselves that carry our feelings for God in our hearts. I believe that when we're honest about our love for Jesus, it will be clear to those around us. Jesus once gathered little children to him while showing how we must view God and heaven.
Then they brought the little children to him, that he might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of God. "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
Mark 10: 13-16 NKJV
Those of us who are parents know the unabided faith and trust a young child has in a parent. It's safe to say that, for a good portion of their young lives, parents are the center of a childs universe. Of course, this all changes when a child reaches the teen years and suddenly becomes smarter than their parents :) It is with this unshakeable trust that a child has in a parent that Jesus makes this illustration. It's not that only children can enter Gods kingdom, but those who have a unshakeable trust that God exists. How can we have faith in something we truly don't believe in? I've heard faith described as a "trust that God will do what he promises." whether this is true or not, we still need to be convinced in our hearts that Jesus exists. Then we can share with confidence what he's done in our own lives. Our own testimony can be a powerful tool to tell others about Jesus. We shouldn't worry too much about defending God when others attack him, the creator of the universe is more than strong enough to defend himself :)
~Scott~
Hebrews 11: 1-3 NKJV
What do we say when someone asks why we believe in God? Many times we need to be careful as our answer may ultimately lead a person to Jesus. When I'm asked why I believe in God, my response usualy runs along the lines of that old Sunday school song..."The Bible tells me so!" Indeed, scripture can provide us with many quotes and stories of why we should believe in God, but it is we ourselves that carry our feelings for God in our hearts. I believe that when we're honest about our love for Jesus, it will be clear to those around us. Jesus once gathered little children to him while showing how we must view God and heaven.
Then they brought the little children to him, that he might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not forbid them; for such is the kingdom of God. "Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And he took them up in his arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
Mark 10: 13-16 NKJV
Those of us who are parents know the unabided faith and trust a young child has in a parent. It's safe to say that, for a good portion of their young lives, parents are the center of a childs universe. Of course, this all changes when a child reaches the teen years and suddenly becomes smarter than their parents :) It is with this unshakeable trust that a child has in a parent that Jesus makes this illustration. It's not that only children can enter Gods kingdom, but those who have a unshakeable trust that God exists. How can we have faith in something we truly don't believe in? I've heard faith described as a "trust that God will do what he promises." whether this is true or not, we still need to be convinced in our hearts that Jesus exists. Then we can share with confidence what he's done in our own lives. Our own testimony can be a powerful tool to tell others about Jesus. We shouldn't worry too much about defending God when others attack him, the creator of the universe is more than strong enough to defend himself :)
~Scott~
Thursday, August 27, 2015
False Intimacy
Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For "the two," He says, "shall become one flesh." But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are Gods.
1 Corinthians 6: 16-20 NKJV
According to a recent survey, 64% of American men view pornography at least monthly. The percentage of christian men is nearly the same at 79%. 58% of men claimed that they believed viewing pornography was wrong, while 56% claimed to have tried to stop but couldn't. So, over half of American men know that viewing pornography is wrong but could not stop indulging in it. Sound like an addiction to you? I would view knowing something is wrong but being unable to stop as an addiction. I should know, I was one of those guys who was addicted to pornography. As with any drug, this addiction is not overcome easily even when it is. Do I still struggle with this demon? Absolutely! Let's not forget that the union that God intended for a man and a woman was to be intmate between the two. Scripture tells of the marriage of a man and a woman as "The two becoming one flesh." You can't get any more intimate than that! It's funny how we've come to describe sex between two people, married or unmarried as "Intimcy." Where the sexual "Intimate" relationship between a man and a woman was reserved by God for marriage, we've missed the mark entirely. It's not just modern pop culture that's bastardized this gift either. What do we have in common with king David, one of the heroes of the Bible? David also engaged in sexual immorality. In fact, David went so far as to send the husband of Bathsheba into battle to be killed. Can we take heart in the fact that so many christians have fallen victim to pornography? Perhaps, but that doesn't make it right in Gods eyes. Sin is sin. Ok, many of you will say that sexual sin has no victims.
87% said that their partners online cheating (by pornography or other means on the internet) had a negative effect on their relationship. 41% called their partners online cheating significant, while 35% said it caused an end to the relationship.
From a survey taken by Robert Weiss, a counselor who works with sex addiction.
Huffpost, January 7, 2015
Still hold fast to your belief that pornography is a victimless sin? 87% of people reported that their partners engaement in pornographhy had a NEGATIVE effect on their relationship! I have a good idea why, pornography creates false intimacy. This is a no brainer, if your addicted to porn, you're devoting the attention reserved for your spouse to a image! Once again, I have first hand knowledge of this. My parents were divorced when I was 7 years old because my mother could not live with my fathers infidelity. This was back in the 1970's, long before Al Gore invented the internet! So, even before the information age brought pornography to every computer, PDA and smart phone, pornography was easily available. Playboy and Penthouse magazine have become American icons for being the first exposure of pornography to millions of young men! Indeed, my first exposure to pornography was my brothers Playboy collection. Like that first taste of herion, cocaine or meth, I was hooked. It's something I struggle with to this day. Sound victimless to you? My friend Dennis recently gave me some advice on handling this demon. When tempted to view pornography, ask Jesus if he wants to look at this. See, Galations 2:20 tells us that "Christ lives in me." So, if we have been crucified with our risen Lord and he lives in us, what we see...Jesus sees. I'll jump out on a limb and say here that I don't think Jesus wants to look at our pornography. Do we want our Jesus to look at pornography? Do you think God is grieved when we view pornography? I'll say this, I miss my dad and the relationship I never had with him. I'm sure he thought his infidelity had no victims as well.
~Scott~
1 Corinthians 6: 16-20 NKJV
According to a recent survey, 64% of American men view pornography at least monthly. The percentage of christian men is nearly the same at 79%. 58% of men claimed that they believed viewing pornography was wrong, while 56% claimed to have tried to stop but couldn't. So, over half of American men know that viewing pornography is wrong but could not stop indulging in it. Sound like an addiction to you? I would view knowing something is wrong but being unable to stop as an addiction. I should know, I was one of those guys who was addicted to pornography. As with any drug, this addiction is not overcome easily even when it is. Do I still struggle with this demon? Absolutely! Let's not forget that the union that God intended for a man and a woman was to be intmate between the two. Scripture tells of the marriage of a man and a woman as "The two becoming one flesh." You can't get any more intimate than that! It's funny how we've come to describe sex between two people, married or unmarried as "Intimcy." Where the sexual "Intimate" relationship between a man and a woman was reserved by God for marriage, we've missed the mark entirely. It's not just modern pop culture that's bastardized this gift either. What do we have in common with king David, one of the heroes of the Bible? David also engaged in sexual immorality. In fact, David went so far as to send the husband of Bathsheba into battle to be killed. Can we take heart in the fact that so many christians have fallen victim to pornography? Perhaps, but that doesn't make it right in Gods eyes. Sin is sin. Ok, many of you will say that sexual sin has no victims.
87% said that their partners online cheating (by pornography or other means on the internet) had a negative effect on their relationship. 41% called their partners online cheating significant, while 35% said it caused an end to the relationship.
From a survey taken by Robert Weiss, a counselor who works with sex addiction.
Huffpost, January 7, 2015
Still hold fast to your belief that pornography is a victimless sin? 87% of people reported that their partners engaement in pornographhy had a NEGATIVE effect on their relationship! I have a good idea why, pornography creates false intimacy. This is a no brainer, if your addicted to porn, you're devoting the attention reserved for your spouse to a image! Once again, I have first hand knowledge of this. My parents were divorced when I was 7 years old because my mother could not live with my fathers infidelity. This was back in the 1970's, long before Al Gore invented the internet! So, even before the information age brought pornography to every computer, PDA and smart phone, pornography was easily available. Playboy and Penthouse magazine have become American icons for being the first exposure of pornography to millions of young men! Indeed, my first exposure to pornography was my brothers Playboy collection. Like that first taste of herion, cocaine or meth, I was hooked. It's something I struggle with to this day. Sound victimless to you? My friend Dennis recently gave me some advice on handling this demon. When tempted to view pornography, ask Jesus if he wants to look at this. See, Galations 2:20 tells us that "Christ lives in me." So, if we have been crucified with our risen Lord and he lives in us, what we see...Jesus sees. I'll jump out on a limb and say here that I don't think Jesus wants to look at our pornography. Do we want our Jesus to look at pornography? Do you think God is grieved when we view pornography? I'll say this, I miss my dad and the relationship I never had with him. I'm sure he thought his infidelity had no victims as well.
~Scott~
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