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AVOID PORNOGRAPHY! |
Based on data from 2006 and Grace Transformed Sexuality (information that takes an intentional grace-centered approach to helping men in this battle) by Gary Yagel:
Webster Definition for "pornography"
por.nog.ra.phy \po.r-'na:g-r*-fe-\ n [Gk pornographos, adj., writing of
harlots, fr. porne - harlot + graphein to write; a kin to Gk pernanai to sell,
poros journey - more at FARE, CARVE] 1: the depiction of erotic behavior (as
in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement 2: pornographic
material
Look at the definition of the word and its roots. Pornography literally means "the writing of whores." Refer to the following verses that are applicable to pornography: Exodus 20:14 (Adultery? See Matthew 5:28), Deuteronomy 5:18 (Adultery? See Matthew 5:28), Job 31:1, Proverbs 6:23-26, Proverbs 17:24, Matthew 5:28, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8, I Thessalonians 4:4-5, 2 Peter 2:14, and 1 John 2:16 (and there are others!). If you have fallen into the trap of pornography, read Hebrews 4:16. Realize the sin, confess it to others in the faith and to God, ask His forgiveness, and repent (turn your back on it). If you mess up, you are not a failure. Go to God, scrape off your knees, and keep moving forward with Him.
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RELATED LINKS
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Oversold ~ The inside story is incredible. The lead actress, Crissy Moran, was a porn model/actress for six years. In 2006, she dedicated her life to Christ (not sure if it was a conversion or rededication) and walked away from the industry. She also stopped accepting the money from the porn web sites, even though she was still legally entitled to it. More can be found at her MySpace page. http://www.myspace.com/yourfriendcrissy This is a powerful, inspiring story. It really gives a clear picture of the pain experienced by the women who are used and abused so that others can make a quick buck. She is a sharp reminder that there are real people with real feelings behind the airbrushed images. I think that her performance in Oversold is going to be phenomenal, since she will be showing the emotions she experienced and not just making it up." ~ Thanks to my friend MWN for submitting his thoughts. |
Repentance is turning your back on sin, but it is more than that. Sin produces death in many forms. For a specific sin, the death could be physical or spiritual (such as in blasphemy of the Holy Spirit or never receiving Christ as Lord and Savior). Sin results in consequences, which bring anguish to the mind, brokenness to the heart, and hurt to relationships with God and with others. Many times, we feel "bad" after we sin, but we "repent" only out of a desire to not feel "bad." We "repent" out of self-centered motives. True repentance is not about finding a quick ticket to not feel bad about sin. I'm not saying God cannot use our feeling bad about sin in the role of repentance. However, true repentance is the pursuit of God's holiness. Do we repent because we hunger and thirst for God or simply so we won't feel bad anymore? We do not naturally desire God. Only His Spirit can give us that desire. It is an act of His grace. We cannot depend on external things to make us repent (not that accountability and measures aren't helpful), but we must depend on God. Repentance is a heart change. Pray to God regarding faith and repentance. He will answer. Bill Leach, Associate Pastor for Ministries at Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) said, "Godly sorrow always comes from God and His Word, not our circumstances."
You will live forever in this body. It will be different, mind you. What is now crooked will be straightened. What is now faulty will be fixed. Your body will be different, but you won't have a different body. You will have this one. Does that change the view you have of it? I hope so.
God has a high regard for your body. You should as well. Respect it. I did not say worship it. But I did say respect it. It is after all the temple of God. Be careful how you feed it, use it, and maintain it. You wouldn't want anyone trashing your home; God doesn't want anyone trashing his. After all, it is his, isn't it?
When Christ Comes ~Max Lucado
When Good Men Are Tempted by Bill Perkins; published by Zondervan Publishing House (Grand Rapids, Michigan); copyright 1997.
13 Ways to Ruin Your Life by Jarrod Jones; published by Gresham Hill Publishing; copyright 2008.
Virtual Integrity: Faithfully Navigating the Brave New Web by Daniel J. Lohrmann; published by Baker Publishing Group; copyright 2008.
"How and Why Pornography Hurts a Marriage" by Nicholas Black, Harvest News, Harvest USA