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Larry Silverman
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Joined: 01/30/2005 Location: United States
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Posted: 02/11/2007 at 8:28am
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Porn Struggles?
What’s a modern, red blooded, American man supposed to do? This week I was turning on the nightly news and the lead story was of the tragic life and death of Anna Nicole Smith. The video clips came on with every suggestive pose this woman has ever made in her life. If that isn’t enough, open any magazine, watch any TV comercial or for that matter sit-com, look at just about every highway bill board, and we have to take note that we are totally bombarded with sexualty!
For sometime now I’ve been thinking of writing a short aticle on this subject for Openheaven.com and then this week we received the following email request from one of our new OH members, “how do I get free of porn. its strangulating hold on me? From Confused Girl” Now the interesting thing here is that this request for help came from a girl not a man! So the problem with pornography is not just a male problem.
There is absolutely zero need to address all the issues of porn. We all know about the bad effects Pornograpy has, we’ve read many articles on this. Christians who are occupied with pornography have read every book and magazine article and have listened to sermons, watched DVD’s and even internet ministry on the subject, seeking aid for their dilemma. Most are able to write the help book themselves. So we do not have to go into all of basics here, therefore please allow me the chance to address some of my current thoughts on this subject, hopefully thus offering some hope to those in need.
Thought #1: Pornography is sin, but it is also an addiction.
Repentance is always the answer for sin, but we go on to treat the addiction.
For the Christian much has been written about the sin nature of pornography. Again, I do not feel compelled to address all of that in this article. However I do wish to call your attention to the addictive aspect of porn. Without getting scientific here, we do know that when one does anything stimulating, one risks the potential of addiction. Even things that are helpful often contain a risk of addiction. No better example could be the simple pain pill that one takes for a medical purpose. In certain situations that pill can turn into a bleek, many headed monster. We have all heard of people who been prescribed pain pills and ended up in drug rehab. Any form of stimulation, good or bad, can lead to addiction. We all know one effect of sex is stimulation. In short, it feels good! Therefore take a porn pill, view a beautiful model on the internet, it feels good. The effect of this is the need for more. Once that happens we are hooked, fully addicted.
OK, we confess our porn sin. Then tomorrow we get involved again. Condemnation follows and the cycle is repeated again and again, and our feelings of self worth vanish. We quickly find ourselves not doing anything for God due to our lack of Christian values, etc. If we understand the addictive nature of pornography we can more fully deal with it. We’ve been told that given 90 days we can break any addiction. If that is the case, then we must begin making 90 days our goal. If you are free from porn for 2 days and then fall into repeat involvement, the answer is to not quit, but rather, take note of the 2 days of victory, and then try to make it 3 days the next time. The goal here is to become porn free for 90 days!
Thought #2: God still loves you just as much as those who have never been involved with porn.
This concept it imperitive to take notice of. There is NEVER anything that we can do that creates an atmosphere where God can love us more than He already does!
Please note Ephesians 3:18-19 (NLT), “And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”
Now look at Romans 8:38-39 (NLT), “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tommorw-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below-indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
It doesn’t get any more powerful that this! Despite the consequences of your porn involvement, God still loves you just the same! He is on your side and by your revelation of the understanding of His love, you bring Him into your equation of daily reaching your 90 day goal of freedom from porn’s additive hold on you. Friend, God is on your team! As you draw close to Him, His strenght within you begins to manifest.
Think about how when we commit sin, the first thing we do is to retreat from God. Adam and Eve did this in the Garden. After they fell, they ran from Him. God still showed up in the Garden that night, “Adam, Eve…. Where are you?” Our First Forefather and Mother, must have been saying to themselves, “God’s looking for us so that He can destroy us, let’s run further from His presence!” Listen, you must make it a point to run towards God! As you read this, stir yourself up and seek Him. Repent of your sin and then worship Him. That’s right, Now… worship Him! Your hands were unclean, but now through repentance they have been cleansed. His love for you is unchanged, go ahead, Worship Him! Let Him minister His love to you. Allow Him into the fulness of your heart.
Thought #3: Do something for God!
Very often towards the end of a powerful Holy Spirit meeting, a young man will come to me and say something like, “Brother Larry, I just need to talk to you in private about something.” I know exactally what he’s going to tell me. He’s going to say something like, “I’m involved in porn and I feel so bad and I just can’t get free, and I’ll never be able to ever do anything for God.” And of course, so often, very sadly the Church has re-enforced this very same concept. It is interesting to note how we are so quick to judge others and condemn them into non-activity within the Kingdom! After listening to these young people, who’ve been sidelined into Kingdom bench warming, I like to share some of these thoughts with them, but my final words usually go something like this, “OK, so you’re involved in porn, repent, and go from here and start a great revival somewhere!” Sometimes it amazes me how the enemy has won so many battles. He does so by taking all of our good soldiers and side lines them over issues of sin and condemnation. Listen, as long as you stay inactive in Kingdom matters, you will continue in the chains of addictive bondage! That’s right…. Go do something for God! OK, so you were involved in pornography yesterday, then go start a Kingdom revival today. Once the enemy knows that you cannot be stopped or sidelined due to porn addiction, you will find that the temptations will lessen, and your victorious days free from porn involvement will increase. You will find yourself helped on your journey to your 90 day goal. Jesus died to set all captives free. No addiction can stand up to the Blood of Christ that takes away the sin of the world!
There is so much more that I could write on this subject. But hopefully these thoughts will help you some. I want you to know that we at Openheaven.com are praying for you. You will over come this problem, and it will be soon!
My prayer is that God will bless you greatly as you go forward into all of His love and blessings. I have to agree completely with Paul’s prayer, that you too will understand fully His love for you!
Go forth today into His freedom!
Kingdom blessings,
Larry
__________________ Dr. Larry Silverman, M.C./Psy., M.Min., D.C./Psy.
http://www.larrysilverman.com
http://www.larrysilverman.blogs.com
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Terry Musco
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Joined: 03/14/2007 Location: United States
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Posted: 03/14/2007 at 10:07pm
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Thanks for this wonderful information. There are days where I-a christian-- find myself caught in this web of lust. Oh My Father in Heaven, I pray in the name of your beloved Son Christ Jesus to help me reach my goal(which is 90 days porn free and help me to focus my eyes on you Lord Jesus.
Terry Musco
__________________ American by birht, but christian by the Grace of God. Saved by the blood of Jesus Christ
God's child
Terry J. Musco
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Larry Silverman
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Posted: 04/06/2007 at 7:43am
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Note from Larry: I posted the article about Porn Struggles on my blog: www.larrysilverman.blogs.com. I feel that this subject is so important today, that we need to make information about this as available as possible. One of my readers, Riley, sent the following comment. I feel to share it with you too. Please read below.
Larry
Riley's comment:
The flesh is spoken of as being "corruptible" I Cor. 15:53. Part of that corruptibility is being susceptible to addictions. Every addition is based on some form of excess. I Pet. 4:4 says, "...they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot..." That's what the body craves, some form of excess stimulation. God's made sex and he made it good, but anytime someone seeks an excessive sexual stimulation in any area it becomes addictive. The Bible calls this excessive desire lust, and the addiction to it the Bible calls being a slave of sin. You've got to flee, from it and fight it. You flee from it by first identifying all the aspects of it. The stimulation, the desire for it, (even secret ones only God can reveal to you), the source(s) of it, the thought, imagination or fantacy of it, and repent of all of it. Renounce each one of them and fight against them, flee from the sources as much as is possible. Job said, "I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?" Job 31:1 Deliberately practice eye control and thought control. We must cast down every imagination that's not of God. Identify pattern's of thought or actions or places or people that tend to lead to a fall and flee! Jesus said, "pray that you enter not into temptation." Mt. 26:41 Don't think you can do it on your own. You can't fight the flesh with the flesh. Pray fervently without ceasing. Jesus said,"...when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Lk 18:1-8 When Jesus comes to deliver you will you still be praying and fighting the good fight of faith or will you have given up just before he got there. To get free from such things I have identified thought patterns, little habitual pleasures, and fought to repent, renounce, and fight against each one. The fight is important. You can't sit back and hope to be delivered. You have authority over demonic spirits which I am convinced are always involved with this kind of thing. Bind them and command them to go. He gave you power over all demonic spirits to cast them out. Matt. 10:1 Jesus didn't say he would cast out demons for you. He told you to do it, so do it. Don't be impassive or depressed about it. "Be angry and sin not..." Eph. 4:26 I know this isn't the standard interpretation, but it works. Don't be angry with yourself, be angry, and be offended, at the things that offend God. Build these thought patterns and attitudes into yourself. Talk to yourself about it. Don't let condemnation defeat you or make you depressed. Get up, shake it off. Pick your sword (Bible) back up and fight the good fight of faith and don't grow weary in well doing. You are an overcomer and more than a conquerer through Him. God Bless You.
Riley
__________________ Dr. Larry Silverman, M.C./Psy., M.Min., D.C./Psy.
http://www.larrysilverman.com
http://www.larrysilverman.blogs.com
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Posted: 04/07/2007 at 8:23am
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Let's talk about PORN
Over the years, I have ministered to many people who were struggling with online porn. I've received phone calls from young women who found porn on their husband's computers. I've heard from older men by eMail who found themselves out of control because of porn. Men in the church have tearfully asked for help regarding this bondage as well. In marital counseling these days, because of its prevalence, I spend one session discussing this issue. In some cases, online porn became offline porn. Magazines, sex shops, strip clubs and prostitution.
In Charisma Magazine, I read about a minister who found an adult romance novel in his church parking lot along with beer bottles and other party paraphernalia. A few choice words on a page got his attention. He was hooked, One level of porn led to another including visiting prostitutes and, ultimately, the destruction of his ministry. His wife's testimony of restoration was even more inspiring than the level of courage he displayed in coming forth with his addiction problem. God is restoring his ministry and marriage.
Many of the people I've ministered to were addicts. They were as addicted to porn as any heroine addict or alcoholic gets addicted. Like the drunk who says he can stop at any time but won't, they didn't have an addiction; the addiction had THEM!
Before you envision some guy will a 3-day growth of beard sitting at his computer in his underwear, I've spoken to teen and college girls - sweet Christian ladies - who tearfully asked for prayer because they, too, started looking at online porn and couldn't stop. I'll never forget the series Dawson McAllister did on his radio show. It was all about porn. One of his callers was the sweetest sounding Christian school girl. She said all her friends were passing around a website. She looked it up and found herself getting sucked deeper and deeper into porn. The cry in her voice is what I remember most. Other girls called wondering if, because they found themselves aroused while watching other women engaged in sex, deep down, were they themselves really lesbians? Suddenly, they were struggling with their sexual identity!
Do you see Satan's fingerprints all over these situations? I hope so.
One woman told me that her Christian spouse liked for her to watch porn with him as a prelude to sex. She hated this and felt degraded but was 'being submissive."
UGGGH!
In every case, these individuals felt like Christian hypocrites. They couldn't understand why they weren't overcoming and why the enemy was having his way with them. Their Christian wheels were spinning in the same rut and they were extremely frustrated. It was changing their countenance and demeanor. That which promised a momentary thrill was now stealing their joy.
MAKE A COVENANT WITH YOUR EYES
Would you think me insane if I were to say, "Hey, guys, this weekend, prowl your neighborhood at night, looking in all your neighbor's bedroom windows. If you're lucky, maybe you'll catch a pretty woman or girl in her underwear...or less!"
I'm not certain how this is ANY different than what we're doing when we see a Victoria's Secret ad on our TV screen. Somebody explain to me the difference in seeing topless or nude women in a PG-13 or R-rated movie and peeping in a lady's window? Those individuals are somebody's children, daughters and mothers. Some are drug addicts who'll do anything for money so they can get their next fix. All of them require deliverance from sexual addictions, spirits of lust, bi- and homosexuality. On top of that, the photographers, make-up artists, directors, producers, publishers...there's a whole list of hard-hearted, selfish and Godless individuals who are exploiting others in an effort to get rich.
Are they exploiting you, too?
Job made this statement. In 31:1, he said, "I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?
Billy Graham said, when it comes to looking at the female anatomy, that first look is free; after that, you're accountable.
Jack Hayford, from Church on the Way, told of a time when he was sharing a hotel room with another minister at a conference. While the other man lay reading his Bible - something Hayford admits he would have been better off doing - he started flipping through the TV channels. On one station, he said, he saw something which caused him to pause for a second. The next second, he realized what he was looking at: pornography. The third second, he focused in and watched. Suddenly, he came to his senses, shut it off and panted, "Did you see that?"
The other minister looked up, "See what?"
"Nothing...," he snapped back, as he turned away from the set. Lying in bed, he couldn't get the image of what he had seen out of his head. He said that he prayed and asked Jesus for help. The Spirit revealed to him a vision of a human heart covered with leaches. He realized that this is what happens when an individual exposes themselves to porn.
ADDICTED TO JESUS
Whatever you may be addicted to, learn to give thanks at ALL times. "Thank you, Lord, that I have an addictive nature...that means I can just as easily get addicted to Jesus!" If you find yourself going back to look at porn like a dog returning to its vomit (Prov 26;11), rejoice for you are one step CLOSER to the day of your deliverance and this was one less occasion in which you will ultimately participate. After all, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
In addition, confess your problem to another to whom you can be made accountable. There are Christian resources where you can get a Hotmail account and discuss anonymously your porn addiction.
Google "Shelley Lubben." She was a porn actress who was also involved in prostitution. Today, she's an ex-porn star - a Christian wife and mother with a message, fighting against this multi-billion-dollar industry filled with lies and deceit, rampant with drugs and alcohol. Her testimony is amazing. For a while, she had my message "Pornography: dethroning the God of the Bod" on her site. That message is ranked as my 9th most popular message on www.EzineArticles.com, incidentally.
Why so many hits, I wonder?
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I just received this message from revivalist Larry Silverman. It's called "Porn Struggles" and you can read it at his blog. It's an excellent, short read. Powerful!
The enemy has always used sex as part of his arsenal to slow down the army of God. There's nothing new under the sun. Just bear in mind that the Victor lives WITHIN you.
"Greater is He that is IN YOU than he that is in the world," (1 Jn 4;4). (Emphasis mine.)
The Nation is only as strong as The Church; The Church is only as strong as our families; our families are only as strong as our marriages.
Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
A servant of God
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Larry Silverman
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Posted: 04/11/2007 at 8:27am
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Behind the Veil of Porn
I became acqauinted with Shelly Lubben's ministry when she inquired about posting one of my messages on her web site. The article was entitled "Pornography: Dethroning the God of the Bod." (Google it) In a recent article that I wrote, entitled "Let's talk about Porn," I went to Shelley's BLOG for research and found a wonderful letter posted there (SEE BELOW) written from Shelly to those bound with Porn Addiction. The response to my article, "Let's talk about Porn," has been notable; I've never seen any of my messages climb the charts so rapidly! One Christian after another have shared stories with me related to porn. Whether it was the woman whose husband was so bound by porn that he was neglecting her and forcing her to go "fishing" for compliments and attention from others, or the young man who was sexually molested by his Youth Minister for many years who, in turn, molested his siblings, or the man who left a porn video in his DVD player and awoke the next morning as his three duaghters, all under age 10, were eating their cereal in their pajamas, watching that video, the sad cases go on and on.
I'm convinced there are many who could use the encouragement that Shelley's letter might provide. Forward this to everyone on your list! Someone you know may be struggling with this secret sin.
In case you don't think so, take a look at these frightening statistics of a glimpse of this secret sin. Read 'em and weep:
* 60% of all website visits are sexual in nature MSNBC Survey 2000
* The No. 1 search term used at search engine sites is the word “sex”. Users searched for “sex” more than other terms such as "games," "travel," "music," "jokes," "cars," "weather," "health" and "jobs" combined. The study also found that "pornography/porno" was the fourth-most searched for subject. Alexa Research
72 million: The approximate number of unique visitors to adult websites in 2006, per month, worldwide. 420 million: Total number of porn pages. 40 million: The number of U.S. adults who regularly visit porn websites. Internet Filter Review
* A 2000 MSNBC.com survey found that as many as 80 percent of visitors to sex sites were spending so much time tracking down erotica on the computer that they were putting their real-life relationships and/or jobs at risk. "Until they discovered cybersex, most of these people had no problems with sexual addition", according to the survey’s author, Al Cooper, a sex therapist at the San Jose Marital Services and Sexuality Center in San Jose, Calif.
* 77% of online visitors to adult content sites are male. Their average age is 41 and they have an annual income of $60,000. 46% are married. Forrester Research Report, 2001
* Hollywood currently releases 11,000 adult movies per year – more than 20 times the mainstream movie production. LA Times Magazine, 2002.
* 1/3 of 13 year old boys in Alberta, Canada admitted to viewing porn. From a University of Alberta Study, March 2007, as reported by thegatewayonline.ca.
* 87% of university students are having sex over webcams, instant messenger or the telephone. Reuters, Ontario Canada, February 16, 2006.
* 17% of all women struggle with porn addiction * 1 of 3 visitors to all adult websites are women * 9.4 million women access adult websites every month Internet Filter Review
* 42 percent of surveyed adults indicated that their partner’s use of pornography made them feel insecure. Marriage Related Research, Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D. Christian Counseling Today, 2004 Vol. 12 No. 1.
* 41 percent of surveyed adults admitted they felt less attractive due to their partner’s pornography use. Marriage Related Research, Mark A. Yarhouse, Psy.D. Christian Counseling Today, 2004 Vol. 12 No. 1.
* August 7,2006: 50% of all Christian men and 20% of all Christian women are addicted to pornography. 60% of the women who answered the survey admitted to having significant struggles with lust; 40% admitted to being involved in sexual sin in the past year; and 20% of the church-going female participants struggle with looking at pornography on an ongoing basis. From the results of a ChristiaNet poll reported by Marketwire.com
*34% of female raeders of Today's Christian Woman's online newsletter admitted to intentionally accessing Internet porn in a recent poll.
* 47% percent of families said pornography is a problem in their home. Focus on the Family Poll, October 1, 2003.
* In a survey of over 500 Christian men at a men's retreat, over 90% admitted that they were feeling disconnected from God because lust, porn, or fantasy had gained a foothold in their lives. As reported in an article on Pastors.com by Kenny Luck.
In March 2005 Christianity Today published the results of a study called “Christians and Sex” in their Leadership Journal. 680 pastors and 1,972 laypersons were surveyed, with the following results: * 44% of churchgoers want to hear more scriptural teaching from their pastors on the subject of sex. * 22% of pastors feel they should spend more time on the topic. * 85% of pastors say they speak about sexual issues once a year, while 63% of churchgoers say their pastors do so. Among those churchgoers who say they want their pastors to preach more about sexual issues, 47% say their pastor speaks about it once a year, an even bigger difference of opinion. A CTI analyst was quoted saying "Perhaps this desire for more biblical exposition on sexual issues exists because pastors are not speaking forcefully or clearly enough, while exposure to sexual images and messages in today's media is ever more heightened." * 57% of pastors say that addiction to pornography is the most sexually damaging issue to their congregation. * Almost 9 in 10 pastors reported counseling a layperson on sexual issues once a year or more (* A 1996 Promise Keepers survey at one of their stadium events revealed that over 50% of the men in attendance were involved with pornography within one week of attending the event.)
A nation is only as strong as its Church. The Church is only as strong as its families. Our families are only as strong as our marriages.
Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
A servant of God
www.YourTown4jesus.org
How To Beat Porn Addiction by Shelley Lubben, Ex-Porn actress
Dear Precious Ones,
I receive many emails from all of you saying you are at your wits end so I am writing this letter to encourage you. I am so sorry you feel life is depressing and pointless. Yep, I've been there MANY times. I was depressed, suicidal, and wanted to give up.
But then SOMETHING happened.
A shift. A change. I started to understand God's real intentions for my life and 12 years later here I am full of joy, vision, destiny, and having a blast in life!
I remember a few years back I asked God "Why did it take SO LONG to help me? Why did I feel like I was talking to a wall for all those years?"
I understand now what I didn't understand then.
It paid off for me to suffer longer in the world in order to later help thousands of people NOW. If God had rescued me right away, who could I help now? How could I fulfill my true purpose without the understanding of deep suffering? How could I know compassion if I myself hadn't been afflicted? How could I love you and not judge you if I hadn't sinned so greatly?
"Ahhhh, I understand now", I said to God.
You'll never understand how much I feel your pain. Don't you know that you are not alone? Don't you know that Jesus knows your pain too? He's the one who bore it all on the Cross for you. Him and I together understand and are VERY familiar with your pain. Jesus, who knows your pain better than anyone, is right there with you. In fact, I believe you can feel His presence even now as I write this to you.
So listen to me dear sweet porn addicts. Why don't you try doing something different than you've ever done? Why don't you just surrender the porn addiction to God? Don't strive to quit in your own power anymore. REST IN THE LOVE OF JESUS. Everyday wake up and say okay God I will rest in You. I will wake up everyday and pray and seek You God until I am free. I won't be mad at myself anymore if I fall. I will choose to LEAN on you, to depend TOTALLY on you and your provision for my life. I will seek you in the midst of my addiction.
That's what I did. I went to church, surrounded myself with excellent people, read the Bible, told the devil to get out of my life, stayed away from triggers, and then I'd slip and get drunk or have lustful thoughts and want to act out. I got back up, asked for forgiveness and continued to pray, read the Bible, listened to Champion CD's, and then I'd fall again. The point is, while I was in my addiction, I went after God. I was SO desperate that I literally wrestled with God like Jacob in the Old Testament and I didn't let Him go until He blessed me. And through it all I developed great character and strength because I WRESTLED WITH GOD.
I don't condemn you if you fall and look at porn. I care more if you read the Bible, if you pray, if you practice God's principles, if you pursue Him in the midst of your pain. If you go after God with all your heart and all your strength, the addiction will go. I promise. I say to all of you, STOP TRYING TO BREAK THE HABIT OF PORN. That's right. INSTEAD, make NEW HABITS. James 1:25 in the Bible (Phi) "But the man who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and makes a habit of so doing, is not the man who hears and forgets. He puts that law into practice and he wins true happiness."
Make a new habit of keeping a bible OPEN with verses such as Philippians 4:13 that says I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME. Highlight that verse. In fact, have several Bibles open with highlighted scriptures. Next time you look at porn you say that verse at the same time before, during and after you fall. Practice over and over and over this new habit. Ask God to forgive you when you fall and He will. Don't you know that God is FOR YOU and not against you? Jesus died to give you freedom to make mistakes while you grow stronger in the ways of God. Make every effort to turn away from porn by TURNING TOWARD GOD and practicing His ways.
Start telling the devil to get his hands off your life in the name of Jesus. You have great power because of what Jesus did for you on the Cross. If you stay in the Word, you will learn about your authority in Christ to cast the evil one out of your life. Jesus said all power over heaven and earth has been given to Him and He gave it to us, His followers. We take authority over the devil by using the name of Jesus. The Bible tells us that the name of Jesus is above all names and that every knee has to bow, that means the devil too. But the only way to know what power you have through Christ is to READ HIS WORD DAILY.
Keep a teaching CD in your CD drive that you can pop in when you get tempted to view porn. THE STRATEGY IS TO FILL YOURSELF UP WITH SO MUCH TRUTH THAT THE PORN LIE GETS PUSHED OUT. Don't pull the porn out, PUSH IT OUT WITH THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD.
Hebrews 4:12 states: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
The Bible is LIVING and IT CAN KILL THE ADDICTION and at the same time give you great character. Do you understand what I am saying then? Don't fight the porn, instead INHALE the word. SHOVEL the Word of God into your heart by listening and reading. Go nuts and listen to the Champion teachings I offer them for free at www.shelleylubben.com/trainingforchampionlife.html . It's worth it to spend the time filling up on God's Word. YOUR LIFE IS WORTH IT. Listen to those teachings a few times a day. All through the day. Heck, you play those teachings when you're tempted to look at porn. Pour the truth of God in! Plant the seeds and soon the fruit will burst forth!! I also want you to put Scriptures all around your computer that you have typed up and have BIG LETTERS so when you look at porn, you say those Scriptures at the same time you are looking at porn. Look on my resources page and or click here for my powerful prayers at www.shelleylubben.com/prayers.html that are actually Scriptures you can pray. I used the same Scriptures to get free!
Also, it's time to come clean about your addiction. I got real honest with God, my Pastors, myself and my husband. I couldn't have stayed isolated and recovered. It wouldn't have worked. Why don't you come clean and get some help from a ministry specifically geared toward helping people get "unstuck" from pornography? Go to my resources page at www.shelleylubben.com/resources.html and check out all the web sites I have listed under the Help sections. Most of the ministries are run by men and women who have already "been there" and understand what you're going through. These ministries offer powerful tools for you to get free and get restoration from God into your life!
If you diligently do these things above, you'll be free from porn addiction soon. The trick is you have to CHOOSE to do these "new" things wholeheartedly with all your strength. It's not the chances you take in life it's the CHOICES you make in life that determine your destiny.
God loves you but He is more interested in developing your character and than him just zapping you and taking the addiction away. That's not to say he won't and can't heal you instantly, He can, but most of us need to learn character so that way we don't fall into Satan's trap again. I learned endurance, perseverance, consistency, integrity, and developed a great love for God through it all. I also learned how to stand against the devil with power. I am thankful God didn't zap me but instead He taught me how to be a Champion. Not only am I free, but I am STRONG and free.
Don't break old habits. Too hard. MAKE NEW HABITS. I went to school, learned computer design, started volunteering at church to help others, spent intimate time with God, listened to Champion CD's, practiced what I learned, put Scriptures on almost every wall of my house and studied the Bible day and night. I went after God even when I had a bottle of vodka in my hand!! I never gave up and today I am totally free from my past!
I was a defeated suicidal prostitute and porn actress. Now I am a POWERFUL FORCE FOR GOD and able to stand strong through any storm life brings. I can do anything with God! I could never be the powerful woman I am today without the suffering and character building I have been through.
God takes our mess and turns it into His message. He takes broken people and turns them into Champions who are called to impact and influence the earth for His glory. He will use every ounce of pain you have experienced to help others someday. That's the beautiful redeeming power of Jesus Christ.
You WILL rise up and be great and you will learn many wonderful things through the journey.
If you CHOOSE to DO these things I have written, you will have great success because God's Word promises in Joshua 1:8-9 that if you "Do not let this Bible depart from your mouth; if you meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
God is with you wherever you go. Be strong and courageous and NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP. Come hell or high water, I never ever EVER give up.
I never stop praying for all of you.
I love you,
Shelley - Read more of Shelley's blogs at http://www.shelleylubben.com/blog/index.php
__________________ Dr. Larry Silverman, M.C./Psy., M.Min., D.C./Psy.
http://www.larrysilverman.com
http://www.larrysilverman.blogs.com
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How To Beat Porn Addiction by Shelley Lubben, Ex-Porn actress
Dear Precious Ones,
I receive many emails from all of you saying you are at your wits end so I am writing this letter to encourage you. I am so sorry you feel life is depressing and pointless. Yep, I've been there MANY times. I was depressed, suicidal, and wanted to give up.
But then SOMETHING happened.
A shift. A change. I started to understand God's real intentions for my life and 12 years later here I am full of joy, vision, destiny, and having a blast in life!
I remember a few years back I asked God "Why did it take SO LONG to help me? Why did I feel like I was talking to a wall for all those years?"
I understand now what I didn't understand then.
It paid off for me to suffer longer in the world in order to later help thousands of people NOW. If God had rescued me right away, who could I help now? How could I fulfill my true purpose without the understanding of deep suffering? How could I know compassion if I myself hadn't been afflicted? How could I love you and not judge you if I hadn't sinned so greatly?
"Ahhhh, I understand now", I said to God.
You'll never understand how much I feel your pain. Don't you know that you are not alone? Don't you know that Jesus knows your pain too? He's the one who bore it all on the Cross for you. Him and I together understand and are VERY familiar with your pain. Jesus, who knows your pain better than anyone, is right there with you. In fact, I believe you can feel His presence even now as I write this to you.
So listen to me dear sweet porn addicts. Why don't you try doing something different than you've ever done? Why don't you just surrender the porn addiction to God? Don't strive to quit in your own power anymore. REST IN THE LOVE OF JESUS. Everyday wake up and say okay God I will rest in You. I will wake up everyday and pray and seek You God until I am free. I won't be mad at myself anymore if I fall. I will choose to LEAN on you, to depend TOTALLY on you and your provision for my life. I will seek you in the midst of my addiction.
That's what I did. I went to church, surrounded myself with excellent people, read the Bible, told the devil to get out of my life, stayed away from triggers, and then I'd slip and get drunk or have lustful thoughts and want to act out. I got back up, asked for forgiveness and continued to pray, read the Bible, listened to Champion CD's, and then I'd fall again. The point is, while I was in my addiction, I went after God. I was SO desperate that I literally wrestled with God like Jacob in the Old Testament and I didn't let Him go until He blessed me. And through it all I developed great character and strength because I WRESTLED WITH GOD.
I don't condemn you if you fall and look at porn. I care more if you read the Bible, if you pray, if you practice God's principles, if you pursue Him in the midst of your pain. If you go after God with all your heart and all your strength, the addiction will go. I promise. I say to all of you, STOP TRYING TO BREAK THE HABIT OF PORN. That's right. INSTEAD, make NEW HABITS. James 1:25 in the Bible (Phi) "But the man who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and makes a habit of so doing, is not the man who hears and forgets. He puts that law into practice and he wins true happiness."
Make a new habit of keeping a bible OPEN with verses such as Philippians 4:13 that says I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO STRENGTHENS ME. Highlight that verse. In fact, have several Bibles open with highlighted scriptures. Next time you look at porn you say that verse at the same time before, during and after you fall. Practice over and over and over this new habit. Ask God to forgive you when you fall and He will. Don't you know that God is FOR YOU and not against you? Jesus died to give you freedom to make mistakes while you grow stronger in the ways of God. Make every effort to turn away from porn by TURNING TOWARD GOD and practicing His ways.
Start telling the devil to get his hands off your life in the name of Jesus. You have great power because of what Jesus did for you on the Cross. If you stay in the Word, you will learn about your authority in Christ to cast the evil one out of your life. Jesus said all power over heaven and earth has been given to Him and He gave it to us, His followers. We take authority over the devil by using the name of Jesus. The Bible tells us that the name of Jesus is above all names and that every knee has to bow, that means the devil too. But the only way to know what power you have through Christ is to READ HIS WORD DAILY.
Keep a teaching CD in your CD drive that you can pop in when you get tempted to view porn. THE STRATEGY IS TO FILL YOURSELF UP WITH SO MUCH TRUTH THAT THE PORN LIE GETS PUSHED OUT. Don't pull the porn out, PUSH IT OUT WITH THE TRUTH OF GOD'S WORD.
Hebrews 4:12 states: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
The Bible is LIVING and IT CAN KILL THE ADDICTION and at the same time give you great character. Do you understand what I am saying then? Don't fight the porn, instead INHALE the word. SHOVEL the Word of God into your heart by listening and reading. Go nuts and listen to the Champion teachings I offer them for free at www.shelleylubben.com/trainingforchampionlife.html . It's worth it to spend the time filling up on God's Word. YOUR LIFE IS WORTH IT. Listen to those teachings a few times a day. All through the day. Heck, you play those teachings when you're tempted to look at porn. Pour the truth of God in! Plant the seeds and soon the fruit will burst forth!! I also want you to put Scriptures all around your computer that you have typed up and have BIG LETTERS so when you look at porn, you say those Scriptures at the same time you are looking at porn. Look on my resources page and or click here for my powerful prayers at www.shelleylubben.com/prayers.html that are actually Scriptures you can pray. I used the same Scriptures to get free!
Also, it's time to come clean about your addiction. I got real honest with God, my Pastors, myself and my husband. I couldn't have stayed isolated and recovered. It wouldn't have worked. Why don't you come clean and get some help from a ministry specifically geared toward helping people get "unstuck" from pornography? Go to my resources page at www.shelleylubben.com/resources.html and check out all the web sites I have listed under the Help sections. Most of the ministries are run by men and women who have already "been there" and understand what you're going through. These ministries offer powerful tools for you to get free and get restoration from God into your life!
If you diligently do these things above, you'll be free from porn addiction soon. The trick is you have to CHOOSE to do these "new" things wholeheartedly with all your strength. It's not the chances you take in life it's the CHOICES you make in life that determine your destiny.
God loves you but He is more interested in developing your character and than him just zapping you and taking the addiction away. That's not to say he won't and can't heal you instantly, He can, but most of us need to learn character so that way we don't fall into Satan's trap again. I learned endurance, perseverance, consistency, integrity, and developed a great love for God through it all. I also learned how to stand against the devil with power. I am thankful God didn't zap me but instead He taught me how to be a Champion. Not only am I free, but I am STRONG and free.
Don't break old habits. Too hard. MAKE NEW HABITS. I went to school, learned computer design, started volunteering at church to help others, spent intimate time with God, listened to Champion CD's, practiced what I learned, put Scriptures on almost every wall of my house and studied the Bible day and night. I went after God even when I had a bottle of vodka in my hand!! I never gave up and today I am totally free from my past!
I was a defeated suicidal prostitute and porn actress. Now I am a POWERFUL FORCE FOR GOD and able to stand strong through any storm life brings. I can do anything with God! I could never be the powerful woman I am today without the suffering and character building I have been through.
God takes our mess and turns it into His message. He takes broken people and turns them into Champions who are called to impact and influence the earth for His glory. He will use every ounce of pain you have experienced to help others someday. That's the beautiful redeeming power of Jesus Christ.
You WILL rise up and be great and you will learn many wonderful things through the journey.
If you CHOOSE to DO these things I have written, you will have great success because God's Word promises in Joshua 1:8-9 that if you "Do not let this Bible depart from your mouth; if you meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
God is with you wherever you go. Be strong and courageous and NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP. Come hell or high water, I never ever EVER give up.
I never stop praying for all of you.
I love you,
Shelley - Read more of Shelley's blogs at http://www.shelleylubben.com/blog/index.php
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bryce perry
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I wrote a new book that I beleive will help any man or woman dealing with lust issues. It is called "Pure Freedom" In Search Of Passion, Purity & Purpose
In every church in the world today, there are Christians struggling with sexual sin. Western culture is so saturated with sex that temptation lurks around every corner, and it’s far too easy to wave away the guilt with excuses or turn a blind eye altogether. But in Pure Freedom, Pastor Bryce Perry challenges the church to remember that God has called His children to purity on every level.
In this in-depth look into one of the greatest dangers facing Christians today, Perry leads the believer through acknowledging, understanding, and defeating battles against sexual sin. He pulls no punches in citing the problems, but with insight and wisdom offers sound advice not only on how to defeat this problem in particular, but also in how to brings one’s walk closer to God and experience Him in a way that will bring His favor.
“Bryce Perry has presented here a frank, head-on, no compromise declaration of the biblical demands of purity... A good read with solid scriptural foundation and sensible suggestions on moving toward and sustaining both purity and freedom.” –Jack Taylor
“No earthly experience compares to that wonderful moment when we step into God’s pure freedom. This book will help you get there–and stay there! –Charles Carrin
About the Author
Pastor Bryce T. Perry works with his wife, Tammy, in TLTC Ministries out of Florida and is the Pastor of Life Changers Christian Fellowship. Appearing on numerous television and radio programs and speaking in churches across Canada and the United States, they are passionate about the message that God has given them about His love, forgiveness, and healing power.
See the book at www.tltcministries.com
Disclaimer: OpenHeaven.com has not read this book and is not personally acquainted with the author. Therefore, it is not recommend by OpenHeaven.com. - Ron McGatlin
Edited by Ron McGatlin on 05/14/2007 at 1:55pm
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Posted: 07/10/2007 at 2:24pm
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Transformed By The Word
By George G Delo
""As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby"" (1 Peter 2:2).
Just as in the natural, what a person eats determines how they grow. God has made His word milk, bread, and meat –– a full, well balanced diet for the proper nourishment and development of His children. A daily diet of the pure word of God will ensure our growth as God designed it. The spiritual maturity of any Christian is directly related to his devotion to the word of God. Why are so many Christians spiritually unfit, immature, and fruitless? They are not devoted to the word of God. Jesus summed it up in Mark:
""And He said to them, ‘‘Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you –– and more [besides] will be given to you who hear’’"" (Mark 4:24 Amplified).
Everything God does comes through His word and Spirit. To the degree that we apply ourselves to His word is the degree to which we will receive the transforming power of that word. He has enriched His word with His dunamis power to transform our lives into the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. Paul understood this truth and when he had to leave the Ephesian elders, he commended them to the word of God’’s grace for their transformation of soul:
""And now [brethren], I commit you to God [I deposit you in His charge, entrusting you to His protection and care]. And I commend you to the Word of His grace [to the commands and counsels and promises of His unmerited favor]. It is able to build you up and to give you [your rightful] inheritance among all God’’s set-apart ones (those consecrated, purified, and transformed of soul)"" (Acts 20:32 Amplified).
The word of God was designed to consecrate, purify, and transform our souls in order that we might partake of the inheritance of eternal life in Christ. To accomplish this, Jesus gave His life on the cross to make us a holy priesthood and a temple of God’’s abiding habitation. He designed His word and Spirit to outfit us for both of these purposes through His divine work of sanctification.
""Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth"" (John 17:17).
""Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free’’"" (John 8:31,32).
We must abide in the word of God to discover the truth that sets us free from sin and makes us holy to become both God’’s priesthood and His sanctuary. The word of God acts within us to show us our need of holiness and produce repentance in us as well as to produce the faith necessary to obtain the promise in Christ. The fruits of God’’s kingdom are the result of receiving His word with understanding (see Matthew 13:24). Understanding comes from the mouth of God as we study and meditate on the word.
His priests are also disciples or students of His word. We can only fulfill God’’s purpose as we abide or continuously live in His word. Once the Lord sanctifies us, He then transforms the new man through His word and Spirit.
""And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God"" (Romans 12:2).
""And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit"" (2 Corinthians 3:18 Amplified).
We must learn the ways of God’’s kingdom by having our minds renewed through the word of God. As we continuously look into the mirror of His word, He transfigures us into the glory of His likeness. His word reveals that which is not of God at the same time that it reveals what is to be of God. As we respond to His word in the power of His Spirit, we are transfigured before Him.
Our destiny is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ in righteousness and holiness in order that we might glorify God on this earth through our service as a holy priesthood. We can only be transformed into a holy priesthood as we abide in the word of God under the unction of the Holy Spirit. The number one reason we do not presently see the manifestation of the glorious church of Jesus Christ is that the vast majority of Christians do not abide in the word of God. The Lord makes this pretty clear in Ephesians:
""Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish"" (Ephesians 5:25-27).
Jesus has already accomplished the necessary work on the cross. It is finished! But if we do not abide in the word we will not obtain His sanctification and therefore we will not be His glorious church without spot or wrinkle.
The greatest deception Satan has perpetuated upon the body of Christ is to make you believe you are all right without a daily devotion in the pure word of God. As long as he can keep you away from the truth, he has a stronghold on your mind which will lead to your destruction. Jeremiah speaks of the results of a wordless life:
""To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Indeed their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot give heed. Behold, the word of the LORD is a reproach to them; they have no delight in it"" (Jeremiah 6:10).
God saved us with a craving for His word. If you did not respond to that craving, it has probably died out and your delight in His word has been quenched. As long as you do not delight in the word of God, you will not abide in it. And if you do not abide in the word, you will not receive the word with understanding. And without understanding, there is no obedience. Without obedience you are standing on shifting sands which will not stand the storms of life. Our strength to stand is found in our obedience to His word and our obedience is the result of our abiding in the word until it produces understanding.
""Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall"" (Matthew 7:24-27).
""And to man He said, ‘‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding’’"" (Job 28:28).
When you understand God’’s word, you will obey it. When you walk in obedience to His word, you also walk in the favor and keeping power of the Lord. But it all begins by becoming disciples who abide in the word of God. Transformation is rooted in His word. Become a disciple of the word so you can become a part of the glorious church of Jesus Christ. If you have lost your delight in His word; if you have no inner hunger for His word; then just ask God to restore your appetite for His word. Ask believing and you will receive.
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Ann Doupont
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Posted: 07/28/2007 at 8:40am
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Hello all,
Although I have not read everything on this thread, I felt to comment. In order to overcome ANY addiction, including "porn," take one day at a time.
In overcoming one of my addictions (alcohol), what I had to do was to avoid places where I knew it would be. In seeing billboards with pictures of alcohol on it, I had to physically turn my whole body away from it. I also needed to find other uses for the time in which I spent drinking.
For "porn" I would think that in addition to the verse on making a covenant with your eyes (which I have done, because of my past), a good reference would be 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; that is, doing what it says there.
I have heard that the "porn" addiction is very strong. So are other addictions. They are obsessions, which can be overcome by God's grace and power, and through changing the thoughts. The battleground is the mind. That is where we will win, or lose, every single battle.
Don't give up. As you go through the process of recovery, understand that there are ups and downs. There are times when you are "successful" for a season, and then "wham," you fall again. A righteous man falls 7 times, but he doesn't stay down. He gets right back into the fight again.
Remember to put on your spiritual armor, as shown in Ephesians 6...pray much in the Holy Ghost (Jude 20-21). Think about what you're thinking about. The enemy doesn't play fair. He knows your weaknesses. So do you need to know what they are. Ask the Lord to show them to you (as well as your strengths) so you can overcome them. You can become strong in them.
Get to know God's voice well, spending quality time with Him. And, it is also my understanding that especially with this particular addiction, you will need some accountability.
Another verse comes to mind before I end this: Hebrews 9:14 can be claimed by saying, "The blood of Christ purges my conscience from dead works so that I can serve the living God."
Remember that the Lord loves you, is on your side to win this victory over the devil, and that He will help you. He's an ever present help in our time(s) of trouble. Psalm 46:1.
Blessings to all...Grace, grace to your mountain (and to mine)!
Ann
__________________ Books and booklets available for purchase. More information at www.anndoupont.org.
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Prayer for deliverance:
PRESCRIPTION: Pray it until the devil sees that
you're serious about maintaining your freedom.
WARNING: You WILL be tested! You MUST be.
Lord Jesus, I thank You for revealing to me any times when my body has been used, with or without my permission, as an instrument of unrighteousness. (Make a list of any that come to your mind).
I confess that my body was used as an instrument of unrighteousness and I recognize such uses as sin. (Ritual
abuse, sex slave, video taped sex acts,
a victim of rape, sexually abused as a
child, prostitution, premarital sex)
I renounce these acts (adultery,
sexual fantasies, lust, pornography,
coveting the spouses and daughters of
others, sex with prostitutes, premarital sex,
extramarital sex, etc) and thank You, Lord
Jesus for breaking all soul ties created
through them, and all other bondages satan
has brought into my life BY them.
I renounce all pre-marital sexual experiences
and break all ungodly soul-ties with others.
I forgive any others with whom I have been
engaged in ANY sexual experiences
for they knew not the impact of what they
were doing by succumbing to their carnal
desires.
I DECLARE those bondages
BROKEN, in Jesus’ Name!
I now present my body to You, Jesus,
as a living sacrifice, holy and blameless,
and I thank You for cleansing and forgiving me at the cross. I receive
your goodness, your grace, your forgiveness
and your mercy that’s new EVERY
morning.
I reject and disown all the sins of my ancestors. As one who has been delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the Kingdom of Christ Jesus, I cancel all demonic assignments that have been passed on to me from my ancestors.
I DECLARE all those curses are now
BROKEN because of the Blood of Jesus
shed at the cross.
I renounce all satanic assignments
directed towards me and I cancel
every curse that satan and his angels
have put on me.
I reject any and every way in which satan or his demons may claim ownership of me.
I DECLARE that I belong to the
Lord Jesus Christ who purchased me
with His own blood.
I reject all other blood sacrifices and I announce that I am eternally and completely signed over to the Lord Jesus Christ and committed to do His will from this day forward.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, I renounce every one of the above sins and any sins like them.
I turn away from them all and will
do them no more and I DECLARE
that they will in no way impact my
family and my descendants.
I renounce any past or present association with satan, his angels or his works.
I renounce all sexual immorality, all demonic assignments, all occult practices, satanism, and any master other than the Lord Jesus Christ.
I renounce any unforgiveness or bitterness
I may hold against anyone, including myself
and against You, my Lord.
I renounce every sin that is against my
Holy God and against His beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for completely forgiving me.
I acknowledge that the Lord Jesus took all my guilt and punishment for me on the Cross and there is therefore no condemnation for me. I have been
bought with the blood of Christ.
I thank You Jesus for filling me with
Your Holy Spirit today, for leading me
into all truth and empowering me to live
above sin.
I commit myself to the renewing of my mind in order to prove that Your will is good, perfect and acceptable for me.
I pledge to see myself as a wounded
healer and will share with others that there
is deliverance and healing ONLY through
Jesus Christ.
Thank you for the wonderful gift of sex. I
thank you that my sexual drive will never
again have mastery over me. I serve no
Master but King Jesus!
I will FORWARD this prayer of
Renunciation to others so that they, too,
may find deliverance AND come to know
Jesus as their Deliverer.
All this I do in the Name and Authority of
the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
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Freedom and Boundaries
by Os Hillman, November 26, 2007
Now the serpent was craftier than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" - Genesis 3:1
God is big on giving man freedom and boundaries--freedom to manage what He has entrusted to us, boundaries to protect us from evil. The boundaries in the Garden of Eden were not set for the purpose of limiting Adam. Man got into trouble when he questioned those boundaries. God had provided everything he would need for life. He also entrusted man with responsibility to manage and work the Garden. God gave him freedom in that responsibility. God knows we were made to express ourselves creatively through our work.
Each of us must have freedom and boundaries in our work life. Whenever you are hired for a job, you must have the freedom to make certain decisions. You must have the authority to manage things within your area of expertise. You must also have limits within your area of responsibility. You need to know where those limits are and stay within them. Both freedom and boundaries are always under the umbrella of God's authority and our authorities at work.
Jesus understood these boundaries. When He was tempted for 40 days by the devil after being baptized, He was challenged by satan to go outside His freedom and boundaries. (See Matthew 4:1-11.) Satan said that He had the power to turn a stone into bread. Jesus was hungry and easily could have justified using His power to feed Himself. However, Jesus understood He could do nothing outside the boundaries of God's will for His life. It was God's will for Jesus to be tempted and to withstand the temptation. God was showing His Son that "man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Mt. 4:4b).
You and I are tempted every day to go beyond our God-ordained boundaries. Whether it is solving financial problems that have arisen through debt, making wrong decisions due to pressure, or manipulating someone in order to achieve our ends, it all represents rebellion toward God.
Ask God to show you His freedom and boundaries for your life. These are meant to enhance your life, not hinder it.
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Kerry Slattery
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Posted: 02/01/2008 at 4:47pm
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20 Power Points for Defeating Porn Addiction
EMAIL TO A *P*ORN ADDICT
The following was an email written to answer questions regarding Porn Addiction and how to deal with it. It is my opinion and based on my ministry experiences in counseling and deliverance ministry. It is also based on my own struggles and temptations in my walk as a disciple of Christ. Literally, someone who yields themselves to porn becomes a disciple of porn, they become enslaved by the spirit(s) of porn. When a believer yields themselves to this spirit, they begin to lose control of their lives and they will become slaves of their new master: porn. There will for a time be an internal war of conscience, a war between the light and darkness; if the convicting work of the Holy Spirit is refused, evil will begin to rule and there will be a continued downward spiral into greater darkness, bondage and destruction. Porn will produce action! It cannot remain a hidden fantasy, a harmless victimless act; it will produce victims: marriages, children, relationships, community members.
This issue is seriously impacting our society and sadly our local churches. Unfortunately it is being glossed over by church leadership who are often strangely quiet - many of them are struggling themselves. Porn is lawlessness! This is a direct orchestrated attack on the church, it is a direct attack on society, it is a direct attack on marriage, it is a direct attack on children. The earth has never seen this massive kind of outpouring of and yielding to raw evil. Lord, please bring judgment into your church quickly - there must be revival, our nation's foundations are destroyed! Your judgment is pure and merciful! Discipline us, we are overcome with worldliness and lawlessness! We have a form of godliness but we deny your power, your holiness! Save us Lord!
20 Power Points for Defeating Porn Addiction! (Much of this applies to other bondages)
1. It's complex and it's simple. To see it as a singular issue is to fail, yes it is SIN, but sin ain't all that simple -that's why it has power. We are body, soul and spirit and this issue has roots in all three aspects of who we are. Dig up all these roots and you overcome it. It's a study on the "mystery of iniquity" - the what and why of evil and it's mysterious hold on us and the universe - why are we "bent/crooked" and susceptible -why do we ever choose it and can't seem to ignore the seduction of it. The only known quick fix for porn addiction is death - so plan on investing time and effort and you will overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit and obedience to the Word of God.
2. Porn is chemical (drug) addiction! This is a little understood fact and a powerful underlying aspect of why it is habit forming and destructive to the brain. The visual images provoke instantaneous release of powerful hormones and brain chemicals that wash the brain and actually alter it's form over time. (much like adrenalin works). These chemicals arouse the body, affect the heart, lungs, sex organs, etc. provoking powerful feelings and arousal- a chemical driven sexual high. After the "session" the addict feels all the withdrawal symptoms, often even feeling sick to the stomach and dis-ease, shaking, restless and empty. Like any addiction, the craving is for more and that means an ever downward spiral into more and more depraved and perverse sexual desires - lust cannot be satisfied, it always demands more until it kills: body, soul, spirit. Porn is slow but sure chemical death. These chemicals also dull the moral conscience which is part of our brain (soul: mind, will, emotions) by totally overriding this delicate part of our reasoning, erasing it. Porn addiction must be seen and treated much like any chemical addiction in order to be totally overcome. It is the height of SELFISHNESS, yet strangely, it is the height of SELF HATRED and is in reality SUICIDE - death by self. If a person loves himself as God loves him, they will choose to hate PORN and will choose to repent and overcome it by dying to self and taking up the cross. It's life or death. It is fornication, it is adultery, it is sodomy, it is enmity with God - it is spiritual suicide and any such person will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Porn always corrupts normal healthy sexual desire and safety parameters - it causes God given barriers to fall, opening the soul and body to crossover into all forms of perversion including obsessions, homosexuality, bestiality, pedophilia, sadism and violence.
Jesus made it clear that "thinking" in your heart is "doing"! Porn will introduce sickness, early aging and death to the physical body. It is surely more than a sin of the mind/heart, it degrades our health in all respects. Read 1Cor. 6:12-20 carefully. Sexual immorality directly affects your physical body's health - long term consequences. Destruction is a seed that takes time to grow in us. We only think STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases); NO! - think all manner of physical defects and debilitation diseases common to man: cancer, heart disease/stroke, organ failures, etc. Why? Because porn directly affects our body's immune system and our emotional and spiritual immune systems are compromised -our protective walls are damaged, demons are given entrance! Our souls go dark, we are destroyed by guilt and shame and double-mindedness - we are alienated from God, we grieve the Holy Spirit!
FASTING - Consecrated fasting (no food, pure water only, with prayer and meditation) for 7 days will break the power of any kind of addiction! (Physical/Emotional/Spiritual) The psychological habit "routines" require additional discipleship, counsel, inner-healing, deliverance and accountability. The fast accomplishes the purging and detoxifying of the chemical/drug residue from the organs/fatty tissues, it allows rest and healing of damaged organs, it produces faith and spiritual bondage breakthroughs. Such a fast is usually only uncomfortable for the first 2-4 days of food/addiction withdrawal, after that hunger and withdrawal symptoms subside allowing continuation up until hunger returns, which signals the end of fasting and the beginning of starvation - most reasonably healthy persons can fast for up to 40 or more days. Longer fasts of 15-21 days are desirable for anyone seeking healing from any illness symptoms associated (or not) with their addiction. Those who fast with pure motives of repentance and hunger for intimacy and righteousness report victorious and life changing results and breakthroughs including healing from chronic and serious physical illnesses as well. God designed and called us to fast for our consecration, bodily healing and maintenance and spiritual well-being. The longer fast is very important for restoration and healing of brain damage and drug/hormonal imbalances caused by porn over stimulation -this includes healing of the heart and other organs that have been stressed.
3.Jesus said, " as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" - ie: thinking is doing -thinking fantasy lust/immorality is doing same. Temptation thoughts can be rejected and denied; when we fail to reject these, we are doing them. Thinking produces doing. What percentage of porn addicts truly escape actually eventually carrying out sinful acts related to their "harmless fantasy"? It all starts in the heart of man. Internet porn includes every possible permutation of evil acts and imagination invented by satan, every kind of perversion and crime against God is included and heralded. Soft porn is only the introductory chapter of the Hard porn manual of death. Porn is worldwide mega-billion dollar commerce. (Pornea is the greek word that includes fornication - this word is an umbrella word that covers the whole sewer system of immorality) Engaging in porn effectively breaks 6 of the 10 Commandments: 1,2,5,7,8,10 .
The Porn Sewer System: lust, fornication, adultery, divorce, sodomy, homosexuality, fetishes and perversions, bestiality -sex with animals, masturbation and other self-abuses, transgender confusion, betrayal, incest, molestation, pedophilia and sex abuse of children, prostitution, idolatry, paganism and worship of the creature/creation rather than God, demonization, sadism, masochism, bondage and slavery, rape, violence and torture, mutilation, murder, kidnaping, abortion, uncleanness, orgies, lewdness, nakedness and exhibition, voyeurism, criminal enterprises, seared conscience and mental breakdown, fears and shame, witchcraft and sorcery, drug addiction and alcoholism, inordinate affections (compulsions and behaviors), STD, diseases, suicide. Do not be deceived, do not delay, those who do agree with and or do these things shall not enter Heaven nor the Kingdom of God (Rev. 22:14-15).
4. No one can say they cannot choose to follow Christ, no one can say that Christ will not save them from themselves, sin, addiction, or damnation - IF they want! Addiction is not a disease, it is your personal rational, moral, and spiritual choice. No one is a victim of their sin, they are active willing participants. God puts the choice to us: Choose Life or Choose Death. IF we choose Life, He gives us the power to Live (for Him). All men everywhere are commanded by God to repent, be baptized (water) in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (baptism). Acts 2:38 If we respond and obey, the Holy Spirit will enable us to walk in self-control -denying self and sin, loving our Savior and making Him Lord. If we choose death, we give satan (demons) the power ineof death over us, we have no life, no hope, no help, only certain judgment and eternal damnation and loss! Delay in choice is choice! Denial is choice! Compromise is choice! (check www.rational.org-this is a secular organization fighting addictions that debunks the "disease/victimology" approach -worth reading/considering, their approach has the taste of ROMANS : no man has an excuse, it's choice!, we have a beast living in us which must be put to death, etc.) 5. You cannot have porn without having demons! Get real! Willful disobedience and sin opens the legal door to demonization. Demons come by invitation, they stay and make themselves to home until they are thrown out legally. Demons are a symptom, not the cause. They tempt, we agree or disagree. No man can say the devil made me do it. Crucify the flesh, cast out the demons. In that order, it cannot be reversed. See attached articles on Deliverance and Spirit Warfare. Anyone who says "christians" cannot have demons is wrong and deceived. Christians can chose to have any kind of sin, error, demon, or destruction living in them - "my people perish" daily due to lack of knowledge and by denying the truth/reality by grieving the Holy Spirit. One sign that a believer has transitioned to being a disciple is found succinctly in Mark 16:15-20, it's no longer theology and theory, it's doing the works of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. How can a believer claim to be a disciple of Christ without the fruits of the Holy Spirit and the power (gifts) of the Holy Spirit which produce the works of Jesus? Deliverance is the children's bread, it's for believers who believe! Book: The Bondage Breaker, Neil Anderson; Pigs in the Parlor, Frank Hammond - (see Kerry’s article: Deliverance Ministry)
6. You are only as SICK as your SECRETS. Humility is one of the most powerful life giving, freedom giving gifts to mankind. James 3:13 - 4:17! PUBLICLY CONFESS YOUR SIN/WEAKNESS and ask for help! This is DYNAMITE. Without confessing sin/bondage and humbly seeking help from the Body of Christ, you remain sick and helpless! This confession breaks the power of bondage to sin! All unforgiveness, bitterness (bitter roots), envy, strife, evil speaking, pride, judgment of others, lawlessness of any kind (attitude against authority, laws, despising father/mother, 10 commandment stuff), must be renounced and confessed and repented of.
If just one person will stand up and confess their sin, it will start an avalanche of repentance and deliverance in the local church! Start with confessing to one trusted person, then to one small group, then to the church! You will end up with a testimony for Christ, you will become free and you will set others free!
This is the time when we need to start agreeing with the devil! Yes, when he comes to accuse us and expose us, we need to agree - WE ARE IN SIN! Now, take that SIN directly to your merciful and gracious Savior and make Him Lord over it and your life! Then confess this to the church, give glory and power to the Blood of Jesus and give thanks to God for your forgiveness, salvation and imputed righteousness. You thereby defeat your adversary/accuser by living in the light and no longer in darkness or fear or guilt or shame or bondage! Now you have a testimony of saving grace and peace with your God!
The roots of PORN are in this and other related passages that deal with our HEART issues (Gal. 5). Do not think that PORN is all about sex, get discernment! Look beneath the surface! PORN is fruit on a tree that is supported by the roots mentioned above. Yes, there can be generational sin: INIQUITY- inherited "bent, crooked", (see article on Generational Sin), BUT this is no excuse and each generation, each human has to make their own choices and live with the eternal consequences. Believers die before their time, lose their health, destroy their lives and relationships, are tormented by demons/sin, grieve the Holy Spirit, lose eternal reward and some even turn away from Christ and are lost (you don't lose your salvation, you choose your salvation!) - others become disciples, bear eternal fruit, are Spirit-filled overcomers and enter heaven with great joy and eternal reward! 2Tim. 2:8-3:9 perilous times are here for believers who are not disciples.......... We need each other, we need the Body of Christ!
7. Worship is Warfare! In the midst of your struggle, your failures, your sin, your weakness, your powerlessness and your dark times, WORSHIP your SAVIOR and you give him POWER over and in your heart and life! WARFARE is done OUT LOUD! Singing praises and worship, SPEAKING THE WORD of GOD (the Psalms, the promise scriptures), etc. is submitting to God so you can resist the devil. What kind of music are you bathing your brain and spirit in? WORSHIP is WASHING! The porn brain needs
washing by Worship and the water of the Word. Speaking the Word of God out loud is spirit warfare, it is a means of rewriting the damaged memory cores of our brains. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God! Porn overwrites our brains with harmful images and memories, clouding our faith with guilt and shame and uncleanness. "Porn brain"renewal (Rom. 12:1-2) is not a quick fix -this takes time and persistence, real effort in the Word, taking your stand, walking and talking with the Spirit, (Eph.5-6). "But fornication ("pornication"!) and all uncleanness ......let it not even be named among you .....neither filthiness.......For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person....who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you ....because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience". If you choose to Worship God, your porn brain images will insert themselves immediately between you and God -this is spirit war! - you must resist continue on and make your stand - you must continue to glorify God and Worship through to victory!
8. COMMUNION - (see article: Eat His Flesh, Drink His Blood and be healed.) "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you." John 6:53 THIS IS SO POWERFUL! Be careful to read 1Cor. 11 instructions and warning concerning examining yourself and repentance! The communion table is a place of transparency, a place of confession, a place of surrender and commitment, a place of forgiveness, healing and power, a place of renewal, a place of worship, a place for the broken and needy, a place where your future is determined. It's the FOOD we are eating that gives us life or death! Renew your covenant with Jesus! Communion is about relationship, it is fidelity or betrayal time. Communion is the decision to affirm your covenant relationship with your Savior, or to betray Him for 30 pieces (porn). It is a place of love or hate - see Luke 16:13.Which disciple are you? John or Judas? Remember, Judas embraced and kissed Jesus and called Him "Master". To avoid His Flesh and the Blood, is to leave the upper room and Jesus ..........to go out into the darkness. Jesus is offering you the bread and the wine, will you partake of Him?
9. If your eye offends you, better to pluck it out and enter heaven blinded than enter hell with your eyes wide open (Matt 5:27-30). Practically, this means cut off INTERNET access. No private, alone, computer usage, only use the internet when you are in company and under accountability. Have someone check your computer website visitation log regularly. Shut the door, keep out the devil. Trash trash TV and movies! Arrange accountability so that every week, you have someone asking you point blank about your struggle with porn. REPLACE! Replace PORN with those things which are lovely, life giving, joy producing, spiritually rewarding and growth producing! Turn off insipid entertainment, pursue quietness and listen to the Holy Spirit, stack up some spiritually rewarding books and go to work reading -feast on the things of the Lord. Quit giving satan easy careless access to your eyes, ears, and soul! Quit going to places where your eyes and heart are tempted. Stay away from the magazine rack! Stay out of the video stores! You must burn all porn in your possession! In this case, ruthless is righteous!
10. Emotional Wounds! Porn is offered by demons as an analgesic to emotional pain. When you are hurting, REJECTED, wounded, lonely, despairing, hopeless, suffering from tragedy or loss, you can be sure that demons will show up and offer you instant gratification and pain relief. Consider how people become alcoholics/druggies - in them, there is always an empty hole, pain and a wounded heart waiting for the quick fix! Pursue inner-healing and deliverance ministry to clean out all wounds and spiritual/emotional infections - forgiveness is critical!!!!!!!! Clean the house, every dark aspect of your childhood must be redeemed and healed! Seek help and ministry! This is not a quick fix, it takes time to clean house! If you have been sexually abused, especially if it is a secret and you have not been healed of this trauma, you are wide open to sexual immorality and demonic torment. You can forgive, you can be healed, cleansed and delivered and free! (see attached articles) Wounded child - wounded adult! Sexual abnormalities, fetishes, cravings, and perversions can originate in the womb, even from the sins of father and mother, from infancy and childhood trauma and experience. A child that is not bonded, breast fed and nurtured in a mother’s love can be open to deep insecurities. A child that is not secure in a mother and father’s love can become prey to a lifetime of iniquities. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment, wisdom and guidance to healing and freedom - pursue this fervently! You are not alone in this need! Let the Holy Spirit speak to you, give you the right questions and the healing answers. Book: How to Pray for Inner Healing, Rita Bennett.http://www.theophostic.com.
Theophostic Prayer Ministry (see www.theophostic.com) is a powerful prayer methodology that unmasks, identifies and destroys the power of "embedded lie based pain" in our lives. This is powerful application of John 8:31-36: if you hear -know - see - embrace- believe the truth, it will set you free! It is this "lies from satan pain" that opens the door to demonic bondage and torment and thus addictions arise to medicate this relentless pain. Please give serious attention to the free articles on the website and pursue this ministry and be set free! TPM is a powerful root analysis tool for defeating any kind of addiction or bondage!
11. Baptism by Immersion with understanding! Bury the dead old man of sin, be resurrected as a new creation in Christ! This is spiritual warfare step one for everyone who repents and believes on Christ Jesus! Obedience produces freedom! If you have not obeyed these commands (Acts 2:38), make haste to obey, but do it with understanding. You cannot have spiritual power or victory without obedience, step by step obedience. Do not dare question baptism’s importance - obedience is the beginning of understanding! If you were baptized and now looking back, it doesn’t have meaning, there is no scriptural reason why you cannot now do it with meaning and understanding. Put your thumb in the devil’s eye! Read Romans 6 carefully! The wages of porn is death! Choose your death - death, burial and resurrection life in Christ, or eternal death with satan.
Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues! This is God's will for every believer - you must be filled with the Holy Spirit and evidence of fruit and gifts -otherwise you are not on the discipleship path and you will have little power to live for and produce the works of righteousness. Tongues is your daily internet connection with the Holy Spirit - you download, you are edified and strengthened and know God's will, power is released, the other gifts become functional! Correction comes! If you are not involved in producing the works of Jesus, something is wrong, something is missing. All believers can and should be involved in healing the sick, casting out demons, seeing miracles, leading others to Christ, giving, serving, loving, worshiping, praying, in fellowship. It is impossible for a "Spirit-filled" believer to not have and manifest "charisma"(supernatural gifting)! Those who take the Word at face value "get this", it's yours! Quit accepting less! It’s your choice, listen to the Word of God and act on it or listen to traditions of men and the lies of satan. Those who act on the Word of God in faith activate it’s power and reality in their lives! You get to write Acts 29!
12. Fellowship is not a 1 hr church service on Sunday. It’s what happens 7 days a week. Get real! Who are you eating with, and hangin with, and being real with? DUH! If you want to be on fire for Christ, jump into a blazing fellowship. Cut off ungodly fellowship - bad company corrupts good character! Porn addict, you need new real friends! Get in God’s kitchen and feel the heat! Get uncomfortable! Exactly why is it that you are not actively part of a home group, a Bible study group, a prayer group, a recovery group, a service group, or two or three? Do not be trapped in a church box! Go wherever the help is offered for your need(s) in the larger Body of Christ! Expand your fellowship tent!
13. You cannot have REAL LIFE, REAL ROMANCE, REAL RELATIONSHIP, REAL MARRIAGE, REAL JOY and PEACE, REAL MEANING, SELF RESPECT, and REAL LOVE, with Porn in your life -it's a DIRTY UNREALITY BOMB that kills every real living thing in your life with contamination. Love Porn, hate self, hate others, hate life, hate God. What's your for sale price? Are you destroying the future that God has for you? Are you rejecting God's blessings for your life? This is DESTINY! Dr. Phil would ask: How is this working for you? Today, decide: Is it blessing or cursing I want? Decision produces action to back it up. The Kingdom of God is taken by the violent, ie: those who are desperate and push through the crowd and the roadblocks! Satan cannot keep you from exercising your will to be free and to choose obedience if you so desire.
14. Friends and family, if you love someone, you will not ignore the signs, you will pray and take action. DO AN INTERVENTION -assemble a team! To confront evil is righteousness. When a person is sick, they need a physician - you be the EMT that gets them to the Emergency Truth Encounter! Directly question them eye to eye, get a direct answer eye to eye (spirit to spirit)! Some Signs are: dead spirit, fear, guilt, shame, secrecy, irritableness, selfishness, change in living and sleeping patterns, loss of interests, no prayer or worship life, loss of fellowship, broken relationships, isolation, sadness, depression, withdrawal, compensations, etc. Check the computer website history log daily, adjust it to save history for 30 days.
15. Porn is direct attack on children! Increasingly our children are being exposed via the internet to graphic porn, this can come at home or at a "harmless" sleepover, or at play after school at a neighbors. Wake up church! This is seriously damaging to children. If your child takes a downturn emotionally or personality wise, shows depression/mood changes, shows signs of withdrawal or shame, acts out sexually, becomes insular or secretive, shows signs of spiritual malaise, etc. act! Please pray into this and fully investigate, do not believe surface denials, get experienced help. What are you doing to protect your child? Where's the outrage? This epidemic is raging and it includes molestation, rape, kidnaping and murder in our daily news. Incest and molestation can be found hidden in our local churches - I testify to dealing with many such victims personally. I am willing to believe that it can be found in any/every church in America at this point. Victims hide in secrecy, shame and guilt, suffer memory blackouts and isolation and emotional devastation. This is one of the major issues in the root of homosexuality (not the only issue). Tragic! The most fearful condemnation and judgment is reserved by God for those who harm (and don't protect) children! (Matt. 18:6-9) Porn addict, the devil has plans to use you to harm (your) children, it's only a matter of time.
Talk to your children - protect them with truth! Get out of denial, if something doesn’t feel right, it isn’t!
16. God is not slack concerning His promises! He promises to discipline every true child. How do you want your discipline? Exposure, shame and guilt and destruction comes to those who refuse to come out into the light. Self-disclosure, humility, confession and repentance to the Body of Christ brings healing, deliverance and restoration (of honor). Be sure that it's just a matter of time, your sin will find you out. What a relief it is to come out into the light voluntarily. It works for you! God and people respect the individual who is transparent. Dynamite the devil! - your current mess will become part of your message for Christ if you will only obey. Do it now! We have all sinned and fallen short, quit pretending you hypocrite - come out of hiding! Do not think that you can get out of this quagmire by only secretly confessing to God, I am quite sure He demands humility before your fellow believers in order to break the power of this sin in your life.
Here's the test: if God does not discipline you for porn, you are not his child. Heb. 12:8 The decision is yours, who's child are you? Time is of the essence!
17. Porn produces Passivity, passivity is an open door to porn! Spiritual is practical and includes the physical realm. Paul teaches that we must bring our bodies unto subjection and control in order to run the race of the disciple. 1Cor. 6 & 9. The passive mind produces the passive body which opens the door to demonic control. To break the power of porn, break the patterns of body, soul and spirit passivity that come with it!
Physical exercise/work/service/action produces health in body and soul. Get to work, get up and go! Discipline the body with proper diet, exercise/action, and rest. The couch, the computer chair, is the enemy of your soul in this battle. Busy is good in this battle, not busy for busy sake, be busy serving! Porn is an indoor sin - get outdoors! If you lay down in this battle, you will lose! Gird up your loins and run! Proper nutrition is integral. The porn addict is likely a food junkie and careless about diet, exercise and health. Fasting breaks the constipation and passivity and toxicity of the body, soul and spirit.
18. Biblical World View! Improper spiritual foundation or false conversion produces weak spindly faulty faith. When a believer has a faulty foundation of doctrine, they are easy pickings for demons. If you can watch the Passion and not be shaken, if you don't fear a Holy God, if you don't really have a revelation of the sufferings of Christ for you, if you don’t have certainty of coming judgment and of hell and of heaven, if you don't believe Christians can die before their time or suffer eternal loss of reward, if you haven't looked death and demons in the face, if, if, if, if........ Go back to start and review and renew your foundation in Christ. Forsake worldly fellowship, commit to a fellowship of believers who are on fire for Christ. Hit the Book! Hit your knees! How do you know you are saved? Can you stand up and prove it? Precisely what are your proofs? What is your testimony? The proof test of your belief system is your life lived. If you have weak faith, you have weak repentance. The Law demands the death penalty for your adultery! God’s Law condemns you, God’s Law points you to the Cross of Christ, the Fear of God (His Law and your coming death and judgment) brings you to the place of repentance - the Cross. You must be decisive, you must be convinced, you must repent and not turn back! Will it be the Law or will it be God’s grace in Christ? The Gospel of Matthew is called the Gospel of the Kingdom of God - it emphasizes a worldview and Kingdom values that are 180 degrees opposite to "worldly/fleshly/natural" values. Carefully pray and study your way through this Gospel, repenting (changing your thinking/values) accordingly, relying on the Holy Spirit to convict and empower you to new life in Christ!
19. THE NEW MAN! "This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
"But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness............ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." 1Thes. 4:17-30 NKJV The "new man" has repented, been baptized and received the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ. Are you truly a "new man"?
"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us,......... But fornication (porneia) and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not be even named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them (in the final judgment and hell).....Walk as children of light.............have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them ..........for it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret." Eph. 5 NKJV
20. REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM of GOD is HERE! REPENT: (met-an-eh-oh: Greek): decisive change in your thinking and your will producing action which causes you to turn and submit to Christ. Understand that the Key to Scriptural Repentance is not the turning away from sin - it is you changing your mind, it is the decision to turn to Jesus Christ! No man has the power to turn away from or defeat (all) sin, all men are by nature sinners and transgressors of the perfect Law of God. It is only by the mercy and grace of God through the Gospel, the Cross, the person of Jesus Christ and the work and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, that any man can be saved! If you will turn to and to the extent that you focus your heart on loving Jesus Christ and being in Communion with Him, sin will no longer have power and control in your life. Turn to Jesus and you will be turning away from sin. "And this is the condemnation, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come into the light, lest his deeds should be exposed". Jn 3:19-20. The repentant sinner is the one who in absolute terror, grief and sorrow at the revelation of their sin, filthiness, hopelessness, condemnation and imminent eternal judgment, is desperately and absolutely determined at any cost to have Jesus as Savior and Lord!
The prodigal son, tired, dirty and hungry in the pig pen, got desperate, made a critical decision, got up and turned to go home - humbly, just as he was, just as he had become -it was clearly his only hope. If you attempt to face and deal with your sin, clean up your act, do penance, struggle and war against sin, you will continue to fail because you don’t have the power. Your focus will be on overcoming sin (works) and not on Christ (grace). Quit fighting the darkness- turn to the Way, the Truth, the Light! Focus on a right loving relationship with Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord through faith and you will fulfill the greatest commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind!" (Matt. 22:37) In so doing, you will go on to fulfill all the commandments and be filled with the Spirit of Christ. Through grace (God’s Resources at Christ’s Expense), Sin shall not have dominion over you! Take your sin, guilt and shame to the foot of the Cross! The proof of repentance is new life in Christ with all the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:16-26) .
Victory in Jesus!: Internet Resources:
Kerry Slattery www.thechildrensbread.net
YWAM Missionary www.greatbiblestudy.com
kslatte@msn.com www.tbm.org www.theophostic.com
to request mentioned articles www.victimsofpornography.org
Kerry has been a believer for over 50 years. Kerry was raised in a Christian home and has been involved in evangelical churches, serving as a deacon, teacher and in street evangelism, deliverance and healing ministry, missions and church planting. Kerry has a BA from George Fox University and attended Christ for the Nations Institute. He became a charismatic believer in 1980 and has been involved in various ministry groups and simple church ministry as well as traditional churches. He and his wife Penni, married in 1969, are serving in Worcester, South Africa YWAM .
Edited by Moderator on 04/19/2010 at 7:04am
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Larry Silverman
Moderator Group
Joined: 01/30/2005 Location: United States
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A good teaching Kerry... thanks for sharing it with everyone! We'll pray that many will read it and be set free!
Blessings,
Larry
__________________ Dr. Larry Silverman, M.C./Psy., M.Min., D.C./Psy.
http://www.larrysilverman.com
http://www.larrysilverman.blogs.com
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Julie Gilbert
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10 Steps to Overcoming Pornography Addiction by Steve Arterburn
1. First, you must acknowledge the addiction exists. Many who are caught in the trap of addiction will adamantly deny the problem. He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. - Proverbs 28:13
2. You must recognize that what you are doing is wrong. Addicts find a way to justify their problem in their mind. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. - I John 2:16
3. You must not blame others - "If my wife/husband were just more affectionate." ... "If women/men were not so seductive." Adam blamed Eve and she blamed the serpent. Instead, you must begin to take responsibility for your actions.
4. Make yourself accountable to a spiritual authority, perhaps a pastor or mature believer. Everybody needs a "safe" person to share their struggles with. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. - James 5:16
5. You must recognize that "will power" is not the answer. At a weak moment, your "will" may fail you. By admitting that you are in need of God's help, you open access to His supernatural intervention in your life. You must yield your will to God's will. That's when He can begin a new work in your life.
6. Study the Word of God concerning sexual purity. Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the Word implanted, which is able to save your souls. - James 1:21
7. You must destroy any pornography in your possession. You can't wean yourself off pornography. Think of the hidden pornography in your home as a ticking time bomb that will ultimately destroy your family.
8. You must learn to flee temptation. Self-deception may enter when you think you can play with fire without getting burned. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it. Turn away from it and pass on. - Proverbs 4:14,15
9. Give yourself time to work through the process of recovery. More often than not, God chooses to take us through a learning and growing process, that can be very painful. Victory over addiction should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint.
10. It's cliché, but you must approach your addiction one day at a time. Look for little victories and rejoice in the progress you're making. Recovery is a cinch by the inch, but a trial by the mile.
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Additional Reading on Pornography: http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/_PDFArchives/practical -christianity/PC2W0607.pdf
http://www.purelifeministries.org/resources/Purelife/Article s/Men/SG_The_Power_Of_Atmospheres.pdf
Edited by Julie Gilbert on 02/10/2008 at 10:23pm
__________________ See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing
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Larry Silverman
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Porn and the Christian Woman
by Michael Turmmillo
When you consider that everything that's ever happened to us creates the prism
through which we filter our lives and relationship with God, thus impacting
everything we do, suddenly, this subject starts looking very pertinent.
When you think of the word "pornography," does it conjure up the
image of a scruffy guy with messy hair in the basement watching
porn in his underpants?
Truth is, though I get lots of requests for prayer and counsel from
men who are slaves to porn, I recently had an encounter with a pretty
young woman who was struggling with that same addiction.
I was already aware this problem existed among the gentler sex. I was
awakened to that fact while listening to a Christian radio program on
the subject many years ago and was amazed that half the callers were female
teens. I'll always remember the young girl who called crying because
she felt powerless to resist the lure. A Christian girl, attending her
Youth Group, the kids at school started passing around a website address.
Desiring to fit in, she logged on. She was hooked. Not only was she
hooked but she tearfully admitted she was confused about her sexuality,
having found herself aroused by lesbian photos as well as the straight stuff.
My heart ached for her.
Still does.
We are sexual beings. Just look at yourself nude in a mirror. Everything
about our anatomy screams reproduction. Without the God-given urges
we feel, there's no other way would have ever procreated the species. Sex
was God's idea (and a great one at that). Leave it to Satan to pervert those
desires and turn something beautiful into something so vile and harmful.
I found some 2003 statistics on pornography and its impact on society. I'm
sure they're worse now, 5 years later. Brace yourself:
Of the adults admitting to Internet sexual addiction - 10% - 28% of those are
women (internet-filter-review.com).
This one impacts women more than we can imagine: More than 70% of men
from 18 to 34 visit a pornographic site in a typical month (comScore Media Metrix).
Our young men, even the Christian guys, are being fed a steady diet of nudity
and sexually-related lies. In real life, women don't look or act like that.
But perception is reality.
Our girls simply cannot compete.
I was doing premarital counseling with a couple when, on our last night before the
wedding, I gave them the opportunity to talk about anything they wanted to get out
in the open. Sure enough, the young lady bashfully admitted her fear of disappointing
her husband when he saw her body in comparison to all the others he'd been exposed
to all his life, if only just at store check-out counters and magazine racks.
Girls, don't be deceived. There are many wolves in sheep's clothing. Outwardly,
they may show all the signs of being "good." Inwardly, well...they're a mess. You
have every right to get to know his internet viewing habits and see the magazines he
subscribes to. Don't be so quick to give your heart away and invite problems later. As
a former Singles Pastor, my word of advice was always, "Become what you want to marry."
It's the reaping and sowing factor. Where porn's impact on marriage is concerned, at a
2003 meeting of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, two thirds of the 350
divorce lawyers who attended said the Internet played a significant role in the divorces
in the past year, with excessive interest in online porn contributing to more than half such
cases. Pornography had an almost non-existent role in divorce just seven or eight years ago."
(Divorcewizards.com)
STATISTICS ON WOMEN WITH PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION
28% those admitting to sexual addiction are women (internet-filter-review.com).
That was five years ago.
34% of female readers of Today's Christian Woman's online newsletter admitted to
intentionally accessing Internet porn in a recent poll and 1 out of every 6 women,
including Christians, struggles with an addiction to pornography (Today’s Christian
Woman, Fall 2003). There is much deliverance required and, sadly, too few who even
know what that means to minister in that way.
The impact on families and marriages is devastating, affecting women in yet another
negative way as their desire to e married and raise children in a healthy, happy home are
dashed. 47% percent of families said pornography is a problem in their home (Focus on
the Family Poll, October 1, 2003). Add that to drug and alcohol problems, teen rebellion,
overeating, domestic violence, workaholism, and everything else that goes wrong behind
closed doors.
PASTORS AND CHURCH PORNOGRAPHY STATISTICS
I hear of far too many instances of clergymen having affairs with female Members of their
flock. It's no wonder. 51% of pastors say cyber-porn is a possible temptation. 37% say it is
a current struggle (Christianity Today, Leadership Survey, 12/2001). In fact, over half of
evangelical pastors admit viewing pornography last year.
Roger Charman of Focus on the Family's Pastoral Ministries reports that approximately 20
percent of the calls received on their Pastoral Care Line are for help with issues such as
pornography and compulsive sexual behavior.
In a 2000 Christianity Today survey, 33% of clergy admitted to having visited a sexually
explicit Web site. Of those who had visited a porn site, 53% had visited such sites “a few
times” in the past year, and 18% visit sexually explicit sites between a couple of times a
month and more than once a week. These are our Church leaders. When a woman with a
problem visits a man with the same problem, looking for spiritual assistance, what else can
we expect? Like spirits attract, after all.
The sheep are fairing no better than the shepherds with 29% of born again adults in the U.S.
feel it is morally acceptable to view movies with explicit sexual behavior (The Barna Group).
57% of pastors say that addiction to pornography is the most sexually damaging issue to their
congregation (Christians and Sex Leadership Journal Survey, March 2005).
SEEKING COMFORT IN AN UNCOMFORTABLE WORLD
We are aliens on this planet. We're not from around here and, therefore, should give up on
our attempts at getting comfortable. Such attempts are futile. Nevertheless, because the cycle
of pain among women - even the Christian variety - has been going on for so long, our ladies
are running to things like valium, extramarital and premarital affairs, romance novels, soap
operas, porn and, yes, even religion, in search of comfort. Some may even embrace timidity,
manliness, or what's referred to as a "Jezebel" spirit. They're doing that INSTEAD of running
to the God of all comfort; the loving Father who wants nothing more than to kiss them and
make things better. They need ministry but too few ministers are equipped to minister in the
required manner.
Why wouldn't a Christian run to her Christ and, instead, run into the arms of another lover
like porn? The answer is obvious: She doesn't know Him. Like a man with homosexual
tendencies, throwing himself into Christian service in hopes of cleansing himself and "getting
better," many woman expect that sitting in a pew each time the door is opened and attending
conferences, even reading Christian books, will all make their problem go away.
It won't.
Only Jesus has the power to do that. Only He is our Deliverer. Freedom will come when the
foul Spirit of Porn bows to His Name and no other.
I've read that the early Church would minister exorcisms to new converts before baptizing and
introducing to the Christian community. Great idea!
Here are some promises from Scripture that I hope will encourage you. I followed this with a
prayer you may want to print and stick by your bathroom mirror. Remember this: God isn't mad
at you. Stop feeling so guilt-ridden and sin-conscious and focus on your relationship with the
Redeemer. Jesus suffered for the sins of the world, including YOURS. There’s no judgment
remaining, no wrath of God forthcoming, no punishment. The debt has been paid and God is
satisfied. Between Calvary, which was judgment on Christ, and the Judgment Day, when all the
books will be opened, there is no place for judgment in this world. Yet, most Christians cannot
seem to overcome that sin consciousness that oppresses and supresses them. The price has been
paid! You've already been reconciled to God! When He sees you, He sees Jesus! You couldn't be
good enough and you're not bad enough to lose your place with Him. This goodness of God is
what will bring you to repentance. Don't expect that from church services or Christian books.
Start down your road to recovery TODAY!
Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid,for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.
PLEASE PRAY THIS NOW...
Thank you, Lord, for being my Comforter. I've been crying out to be comforted since the
moment I was born. Now, I feel that I need your comfort - the only REAL comfort that exists -
more than ever. I'm tired of trying to overcome and I'm running to YOU - the One who dwells
within me who cannot do anything BUT overcome. Be the Lord of my life; the Owner of my
sinful nature, my bad habits, my addictions. Thank you for comforting me, Lord Jesus, so that I,
in turn, will be better equipped to comfort others who are also struggling with bondages. I thank
you, also, for healing me where I've been hurt. Not just physically but deep down in those darkest
places that no one can see but you. Thank you for giving me the grace to forgive those who hurt
me; they knew not what they were doing to me. I believe you are the One who can Deliver me;
increase my unbelief that the things I struggle with are even real. Help me to unbelieve MORE that
I am trapped, that I am a victim, that I am a second-rate Christian. Help me to believe more strongly
than ever that I am who YOU say I am...redeemed, delivered, healed, the enemy's worst nightmare,
part of a Kingdom of Priests and Kings. Thank you, Father. I love you and I pray this in the mighty
Name of Jesus, the Name above every name. Amen!
Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
A servant of God
__________________ Dr. Larry Silverman, M.C./Psy., M.Min., D.C./Psy.
http://www.larrysilverman.com
http://www.larrysilverman.blogs.com
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davidtredway
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In response to the current article I feel this could be of help to some. I wrote this some time ago.
Fornication or Adultery what’s the difference?
Lesson 6
This lesson may be hard for some to follow or accept. Including myself. I have had problems in this area. This is the main reason for me doing this lesson. Therefore I will begin this lesson with a powerful prayer, allowing the anointing of the Holy Spirit and Jesus to break the yoke of bondage and wrong thinking by the anointing in Jesus name.
Prayer: Almighty Father in Jesus name, we submit to you and the power of your word. We ask you to join with us in this lesson and minister to our inner man and manifest your holy precedence. Reprogram our thinking and change our thought patterns and desire system, wills and wants in Jesus Holy Name. AMEN
Lesson: What is fornication?
Fornication by definition is sexual intercourse between partners who are not married to each other. The word comes from the Latin word, fornix, from which came fornication, the ancestor of the word fornication, is derived, meant a vault, an arch. Also referred to a vaulted cellar where prostitutes plied their trade. Also the word means whoredom, brothel. The devil likes to keep us in the cellar of bondage. I was bound up in years of fornication, adultery and sexual impurities, pornography. God’s word with open up the cellar door and his light will shine forth. All that is hidden shall be revealed. All that is in darkness shall be exposed to the light. That light is GODs truth!! It pierces the darkness. It heals, it delivers, and it binds up the strongman and sets the captive free. No more bondage, GOD delivers the mind, the heart, and the emotions.
Adultery: the voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and a partner other than the lawful spouse.
Many times I have been caught in meaningless relationships to only find myself in the bed with someone who I didn’t love or was just a fleshly sexual attraction. The bible says, and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32 KJV) So what is this truth that the bible talks about, that is so power, and boy is it. Let’s examine the word truth. Truth is by definition, Conformity to fact or actuality, a statement proven to be or accepted as true. In the Greek translated is the word alethia, from 225, 227, meaning true, truly, verity, not concealing. Also from 2990 lanthano, to lie hid, unawares, be ignorant of.
So we see the powerful truth we so seek, lies hidden in the word of GOD. We see that truth is something that has to be worked toward or an effort made. We can also see that to obey the word (truth) requires effort. With that being said, when truth is therefore presented to us we have an option to ignore, obey or even deny the truth. If we embrace the truth of GODs word we receive freedom. If we do not we receive trials, damnation, tribulations, and attacks from the enemy on our health, finances, home, work, and where ever else the enemy chooses to attack us.
There are several legs of Fornication that lead down to the pit of hell. 1st Leg that we will discuss is desire. Desire by definition means: to wish or long for, to want, sexual appetite, covet, crave, and want, passion, also to have a strong longing for. The 2nd leg is Lust. The book of proverbs explains these two legs as death and hell. Proverbs 5:3-11, states this as follows, (3 For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: 4 But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on hell 6 Lest thou shouldest ponder the path of life, her ways are moveable, that thou canst not know them. 7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. 8 Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house. 9 Lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: 10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger; 11 And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed
If look at the beginning in
(Genesis 3:16) we see the scripture says, Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shall bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
The Hebrew says desire here means tshuwqah sense of stretching out after, a longing desire. Also from 7783 shuwq, meaning shook, to run after or over, overflow water.
Lets look at (Ephesians 2:2-3) 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan), the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
You now can see how the lust of the flesh has perverted what GOD intended from unity of the spirit of one man, one woman. (Matthew 19:5-6) 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Twain means in Greek, duo meaning numeral, two, both.
God began to deal me about sin one time, He lead me directly to this scripture. The mind will tell us that it’s okay to have sexual relations with someone if we care for them or if we may plan to marry that person some day. The mind will give you all kinds of reasons to why you are doing something and give you justification to make you feel that it is okay to commit the sin. We know that is a lie of satan and that no fornicator or adulterer shall enter in the kingdom of heaven (1 Corinthians 9-13). Lets look at (1 Corinthians 5-16-18) 16 what? Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? For two, saith he, shall be one flesh. 17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
We know now by the truth of GOD that in fact he does frown on fornication. It is a sin and those who do such shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. In 1 Corinthians 3-11) But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man this called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, or a railer, or a drunkard, or extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
The second leg we will now discuss is Lust. Lust by definition means Intense or unrestrained sexual craving. Intense eagerness or enthusiasm, to have an intense or obsessive desire. James 1:14 states 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust is conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Lust here means epithumia, from 1939 meaning a longing, for what is forbidden, concupiscence, desire, lust after, to set the heart upon, covet, desire. Here we also we see the Heart issue again, so lust is a heart issue of the mind, will, emotions, intellect. So if Lust is a sinful mindset, how do we get it out and forgiven and cleansed? First we have to repent, confess, and be cleansed of it; second we have to get the truth of GODs word, which is the antidote for the issue to be healed in us. Lets take a look at Matt 5-28 (But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
God will give us over to our own sexual perversions.
Romans 1:22-24 - Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleaness (fornication adultery and such) through the lusts of their own hearts (mind, will, emotions, intellect), to dishonour their own bodies between themselves.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - 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.
James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
We can persevere against the sin of fornication by seeking Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1-2 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. |
< = value=biblequiz name=>< = value=fornication name=category>< = value=question name=mode>< = value=22 name=question>< = value=T;F;F;T;T;T;F;F;T;T;T;T;T;F;T;T;T;T;F;T;T; name=answers>
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Contemplating the good things of God keeps our minds from lustful thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Evil thoughts of fornication are initiated in the thoughts of man.
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< = value=biblequiz name=>< = value=fornication name=category>< = value=results name=mode>< = value=26 name=question>< = value=T;F;F;T;T;T;F;F;T;T;T;T;T;F;T;T;T;T;F;T;T;T;F;T;T; name=answers>Mark 7:21 - For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders.Bottom of Form |
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel (husband or wife) in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God ... For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7)
Men and Women who were afflicted with Fornication or Adultery.
David & Basheba= fornication, adultery, murder( 2Sam 11:1-5)
Schechem & Dinah= fornication ( Gen 34)
Tamar & Amnon= incest, rape, fornication (2 Samuel 13)
This lesson was written and Published by David B. Tredway
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Rick Kerr
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Pornography has torn many a life apart, crippling bit by bit often times leading to divorce (if married) or other perversions of Godly intentions.
It is important that we understand...the eyes are a gate, an open doorway to our mind and spirits. We must guard this entry point after confessing the sin, accepting forgiveness and stepping forward into a new way of life.
God is well able to set us free from all that shackles us IF we will ask Him, and allow Him without reservation to do His thing. The following seconds, minutes, hours, days, and months are crucial and requires us to live differently. We can't live the same way today as we did yesterday and expect different results. We need to turn away from the pictures that call us to look and linger, we need tune out the suggestive voices...wether within us or outside of us.
Speak to this mountain, call it by name...pornography, lust, masturbation, I no longer want you in my life, I command you to go, you must bow down to the name of Jesus.Get out. I evict you in Jesus' name by the power of the Holy Spirit of the one true living God.
God does love us and understands. He reminds us that we have a part to play in this life that we live. May our focus be that we live this life for Him!
__________________ God touch you!
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Larry Silverman
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Welcome to Openheaven.com Rick!
Amen to what you have written here!
Blessings,
Larry
__________________ Dr. Larry Silverman, M.C./Psy., M.Min., D.C./Psy.
http://www.larrysilverman.com
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If you or someone you know is battling sexual temptation, take these five steps toward GRACE.
This week my wife and I ministered to a group of 115 Russian teenagers at a youth camp in Virginia. Part of our job was to separate the guys and the girls and facilitate honest (and sometimes awkward) discussions about sex, dating and guy/girl relationships. They put their anonymous questions in a black box (“How do I know if she’s the one for me?” or “Is it OK to use condoms?”), and we answered while the kids giggled nervously.
I spoke to the guys on the first night about what I call the Porn Monster, using the description of the adulterous woman in Proverbs 7 as my text. In this passage the writer recounts the sad story of a vulnerable young man who wanders into the wrong part of town where a harlot seduces him. The story concludes with these haunting words: “Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways … for many are the victims she has cast down” (Prov. 7:25-26).
"I’ve prayed with many brothers who struggle with this monster, and in some cases the porn has been a gateway to worse sins. Is there a way of escape from it?"
Proverbs 7 is basically a father’s warning to his son about this sin of adultery, but it can easily be applied to any sexual sin—including pornography, which has become an epidemic among Christian guys today. I’ve prayed with many brothers who struggle with this monster, and in some cases the porn has been a gateway to worse sins. Is there a way of escape from it?
I’ve come up with this acrostic—G.R.A.C.E.—to help guys who are wrestling with the demon of lust. If you or someone you know faces this problem, here are five steps to take to find freedom:
G. Grow up. It’s understandable why a 14-year-old boy would be curious about sex. His body is changing, his hormones are raging and sheer curiosity may lead him to look at porn, masturbate or fantasize about women’s bodies. But God never intended for guys to get stuck in perpetual puberty. There are men in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond who never learned to be sexually responsible adults. They never grew up in the sexual area—and their immaturity fuels today’s porn epidemic. Message to guys: Act your age.
R. Respect women. Pornography is one of the most blatant examples of the exploitation of women in modern culture. It’s right up there with rape, wife abuse and forced prostitution. Not only does porn objectify women (sending the message that their value is based on their youthfulness, beauty and breast size), it also often involves drugging women and forcing them to have sex on camera. How can any Christian guy look at a pornographic photo or watch even one second of a video knowing that the women in those images may be the virtual slaves of organized crime bosses? That’s just sick. Don’t support it.
A. Avoid temptation. Jesus had some really strong words to say about temptation. He said: “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell” (Matt. 5:29). Jesus was not advocating self-mutilation. He was using sarcasm to emphasize that we must be ruthless in our battle with sin. You can’t co-exist with it, play with it or compromise with it.
Because of the easy availability of online porn today, that means doing whatever is necessary to cut off your access to it—even if it means going offline or putting your computer in the family room so you won’t be tempted to look at offensive sites. A sexually responsible man knows that God is watching his online history—and the fear of the Lord will guard him from polluting his spirit with perversion. You have the power to resist. Flee from youthful lusts.
C. Call for emergency help. You don’t have to fight this battle alone. I encourage any brother who is recovering from a porn addiction to send out a Red Alert every time he feels pulled into sexual compromise. Find a friend who knows you well, and ask if you can call or text him whenever the battle is raging. The Bible promises that when we confess our sins to one another, we will be healed (see James 5:16). If you humble yourself and ask for help, God will give you extra grace to resist the power of lust.
E. Enjoy holy sex. Pornography or any other sexual sin is a poor substitute for the blessing of sex in marriage. I have counseled many guys who turned to porn as a way of escape from a loveless marriage. But that is never God’s solution. A sexually responsible man will do whatever it takes (including apologizing for his mistakes or seeing a marriage counselor) to heal his relationship with his wife. And when the marriage is healed, the sex not only will be deeply satisfying, it also will be free from the guilt and shame that porn brings.
J. Lee Grady is contributing editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. His most recent book is 10 Lies Men Believe (Charisma House).
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Christ Can Change You From Within
To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among you: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
Without the Lord Jesus Christ residing in your heart and life there is absolutely no hope for your future and no eternal glory! The mystery of salvation is the new birth of the divine seed being planted in one's heart and growing up into a vineyard of the sons of God.
After thirty years of ministry I have come to the conclusion that no one can be changed by human means, only by the transformation of the mind and heart of man by the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus can the world truly be made a new creation. One cannot change a people politically, by voting. The issues of abortion, homosexuality, child abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, pornography and the like can only be changed by the washing of the blood of Jesus Christ and the anointing of His Spirit.
The world is sin-sick, lost and sinking into a deep depravity, a literal cesspool of filth caused by a defecting from their Creator. Prideful arrogance and selfish ambition and religious ritual have polluted mankind leaving him totally ignorant of the things of God! Science, medical miracles, and the electronic age have further caused man to move farther away from his only hope for redemption.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new. II Corinthians 5:17
IS CHRIST IN YOU?
"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3
When one experiences being born again by the Spirit he begins to live a life outside the confines of the natural world and a spiritual being is created within his soul. Just as an earthly child is born and immediately wants to be fed, so also the spiritual child longs for the pure milk of the Word.
Praying a prayer without conviction, being baptized, joining the church or going to Sunday school or even taking mass or communion does not make a Christian. Only by the "Divine seed" being planted in one's heart can he become a new creation in Christ. One of the signs of one experiencing the new birth is old things begin to pass away. As Jesus begins to set up house cleaning in His new temple He begins to throw out the old and replace it with all new furnishings.
If the Lord Jesus Christ resides within you, your desires will change, your old habits will begin to disappear and you will instinctively want to do the things that Christ does. The true Christian does not live by rules and regulations anymore such as "Thou shall not" because the laws of God have become fulfilled in Christ and they are now written on your heart.
If you have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and have repented of your sins and iniquities and received His cleansing through the blood He shed for you, then you are a brand new born again spiritual being and the Spirit of God now resides within you. You are the temple of God, you no longer go to church because you are the church. You have become a priest of the most high God, anointed with His Holy Spirit and given divine revelation of His word.
Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. I Peter 2:4,5
A CHOSEN GENERATION
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. I Peter 2:9
You are no longer a mere mortal barely existing to survive, you have been transformed by the regeneration of His Spirit and His word to become a supernatural generation of priests who are anointed with the Holy Spirit to minister to the Father of lights. Invited to come into the very throne room of God, we as His holy priesthood have been given access to His divine presence.
As spiritual sons and daughters we can come before the Father at any time to receive His mercy and grace, or to speak to Him about our circumstances just as we would with our earthly fathers. In the old testament the priests would offer sacrifices of animals for the people and the high priest would enter the Holy of hollies into the presence of God. Today we have a High Priest who has gone before us to become the sacrifice for us and to reign forever, interceding for His holy priests on earth.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
LIVING SACRIFICES
I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1
Our sacrifice to God is our life, given freely to the One who died and was raised for us. As Jesus was the sacrifice for our sin, we in turn give our life in godly service back to Him. The laying down of one's life is a great sacrifice to make, but in light of what He has done for us, well worth the loss of any worldly gain.
To become a born again Christian is to become Christlike in every aspect of our lives as the Spirit transforms us into His very image. The body of Christ is His presence in the earth, the representation of Jesus alive doing the same things He did when He was in bodily form, setting the captives free! As His ambassadors we have the responsibility to continue His kingdom here on earth until He returns.
Heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead and preach the gospel (the good news of His saving grace) to the poor is our mission in life, we no longer are bound to this earthly realm. Our commission as soldiers of Christ is to make disciples of all nations, exact replicas of the Lord Jesus Christ. Freely you have received, freely give!
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6,7
Your servant in Christ, Tim Laughlin
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