Pornography Is Growing Within the Christian Community

Pornography Is Growing Within the Christian Community

Pornography is one of the most prevalent social problems we are facing today in this world. There is a great concern in regards to the rate which pornography is growing within the Christian Community. It is happening from the pulpit to the pew. From the White House to the city streets. The number of individuals and families that have been directly or indirectly impacted is rapidly growing at an alarming rate. Pornography is a $$$$$$ 97 billion dollar industry!

The issues related to pornography continues to snowball because to some degree, on many levels it is initially accepted. In some instances, it is considered to be a passing fad or on the other hand it is simply ignored. Pornography is dangerous and erodes the moral fiber of one’s character. If you know someone who is involved in pornography please don’t wait, encourage them to get help now! Since it is so readily accessible it can overtake and often consume the life of those who partake in it. This does not have to be the case.

Pornography is really quite selfish.

It can impair and shatter the life and self-esteem of the addict’s spouse and robs the relationship of trust, loyalty, significance and security. It also can cause a carnal spirit to hover over the household which invites much spiritual warfare.

The internet has a plethora of pornographic sites that are launched every day. The images seduce the captive audience of one or more into an underground world of self-indulgent decadence. Seeking fulfillment in strip clubs, compulsive eating and or cyber club. It even pops up sporadically every now and then on our face book pages. (Ladies & gentlemen please be a little more discreet in the poses and pictures You place on face book. Many of them give mixed messages...) There is much research available to substantiate that it is a growing addiction phenomenon for many.

Here are some questions to ask or think about. If you can answer yes to any of these you need to really get help.

1. Do you keep secrets about your sexual or romantic activities from those who are important to you? Do you lead a double life?
   
   
2. Have your needs driven you to have sex in places or situations or with people you would not normally choose?
   
   
3. Do you find yourself looking for sexually arousing articles or scenes in newspapers, magazines, internet or other media?
   
   
4. Do you find that romantic or sexual fantasies interfere with your relationships or are preventing you from facing problems?
   
   
5. Do you frequently want to get away from a sex partner after having sex? Do you frequently feel remorse, shame, or guilt after a sexual encounter?
   
   
6. Do you feel shame about your body or your sexuality?
   
   
7. Does each new relationship continue to have the same destructive patterns which prompted you to leave the last relationship?
   
   
8. Is it taking more variety and frequency of sexual and romantic activities than previously to bring the same levels of excitement and relief?
   
   
9. Does your pursuit of sex or romantic relationships interfere with your spiritual beliefs or development?
   
   
10. Do your sexual activities include the risk, threat, or reality of disease, pregnancy, coercion, or violence?
    
    
11. Has your sexual or romantic behavior ever left you feeling hopeless?
12. Are you unable to properly relate to your spouse and there is a physical void in the relationship?
13. Are you out of control?

Sextexting is dangerous

The news has announced to the world that we have many teens who are now starting to do what is called “SEXTEXTING.” Many adults have indulged in pornography for many years and now fallen to sextexting in these latter years. Partaking in sending graphic sexual images of themselves and others across the internet and their cell phones. For too long the subjects of adultery, fornication, immorality, infidelity, incest, same sex relationships, sex outside of marriage... have merely slid under the Christian radar.

There needs to be more open discussion to help this next generation and subsequent generations from falling prey to any perverted behavior. The Church is no longer sacred to many. Healthy boundaries are no longer a priority. Today just about anything goes anywhere. This is getting to be a little bit frightening. This should send us all a clear warning!

Sex was created by GOD

Sex was something beautiful created by God. He meant it to be a precious interlude of a time of physical expression between one man and one woman committed for life within a "Covenant Marriage!" The goal was to experience the joining together of one the ultimate oneness between devoted married lovers.

GOD has given us HIS WORD to help discipline us in all areas of our lives. This is what the Apostle Paul teaches from God's Word. He wrote this to put to rest the disorder that was taking place within the Church;

"I have written you in my letter NOT to associate with sexually immoral people ~ NOT at all meaning people of this world who are immoral, or greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In this case you would have to leave the world.

But NOW I am writing you that you must NOT associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, a idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man DO NOT even eat." 1 Corinthians 5

He even further continues to give instruction for righteous judgment within GOD'S CHURCH!

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the Church? Are You NOT to judge those inside? GOD WILL judge those outside..." I Corinthians 5

The point here is that God does not force us to embrace His principles. He gives us ALL the freedom to choose. When you are called to preach, teach and proclaim HIS WORD we must present what He says so that His Church at large as well as the world are aware of what He says. This is also why I do not just eat with anyone.

"...Now to the unmarried and the widow I say: It is GOOD for them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should MARRY for it us better to MARRY than to burn with passion..." I Corinthians 7

Addiction is out of control behavior

Did you know that the porn addict spends endless hours absorbing images of an unrealistic unattainable idealistic fantasy via the internet or videos. It is a billion dollar industry. It is set up to give its participants an unrealistic desire that seeks to keep them addicted and enticed... Unknowingly these images have become their idol god. Which really is a form of idolatry. It impacts not only the addict but the family as well just like any other addiction. There are many deeper unresolved issues here. Quite often something that happened in childhood or adolescence has resurfaced in the addicts mind. The emotional pain has fermented and pornography becomes a destructive outlet. This does not have to be you can emerge victorious!

Dealing with someone who has an addictive personality can be overwhelming and or quite devastating. You are really often dealing with an out of control child encased in an adult body. They want what they want, when they want it. It is difficult for them to delay self gratification. They will do whatever it takes to satisfy their insatiable desire. They will quite often manipulate whoever is necessary to get their way. It is often difficult for them to see that they are so unreasonably demanding, self centered and controlling. An intervention is constructive, warranted and often necessary in order to begin the path to recovery.

You can get through this. Do seek HELP!

Much prayer is needed when counseling with someone of this nature. But praise be to God deliverance is possible. Be encouraged if you have this problem the Lord can make all the difference in the world. However you cannot continue to us others or disrespect God & His Word! This is why it is so very important to know GOD and His Word for yourself! You "CAN DO ALL things through CHRIST!" He can strengthen you in ALL areas of your life. God has created each of us with a purpose in mind. It is your choice to seek HIM above everything else. Always know that God truly is Omnipotent. Above Him is no power or principality that cannot be shaken, cast down or stronghold broken... It is only in GOD true FREEDOM resides!

Talking about sexual issues openly will help dispel a lot of the rumors, myths and inappropriate behavior that has gone on and on… Education is key to learning whether it is formal or informal. It is never too late to learn to do better. But you should also address the spiritual side to life. No one really often wants to really come out and discuss or say; what God has to say, for fear of being perceived as too religious or judgmental. If you are a believer, one should know that absolutely nothing happens anywhere or at anytime that God is not aware of. God is Omniscient so don't allow anyone or anything to make you think otherwise.

Take for example let’s look at I Samuel 1. Eli who was a priest had two sons Hophni & Phinehas whose behaviors were simply downright outrageous. They were disobedient. They actually humiliated and slept with the women who came to the Tabernacle for help. The Bible says they were wicked, “corrupt sons who did not know the Lord.” They were warned as to what would happen. They twisted their privileges in order to satisfy their own flesh. Their call to ministry was used as a vice to satisfy their sinful flesh. This is unacceptable and a abomination to the Lord. They fell prey to a seducing spirit. Eli was negligent. He did not discipline his sons properly. When he tried to correct them they totally disrespected him. They displayed that same disrespect towards God… They had established a pattern of sexual abuse that needed to be broken. This does not have to be!

Look, on the other hand Hannah had dedicated her first born son Samuel to the Lord! She as a loving Mother who raised him and nurtured him in the Word of God! She made sure that he had a strong foundation in the Lord. She then brought him to the Temple to Samuel as she promised the Lord at a very young age... Samuel came up in the very same household along with Eli’s sons. But, what a contrast. Hannah had brought him to Eli to be his spiritual mentor. Hannah as a loving Mother instilled within Samuel great moral principles. Samuel at a very young age ministered before the Lord continued to grow spiritually. Despite what was going on about Samuel, the Lord intervened and he grew in “stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men.” Samuel became a great Man of God! (For more details of this narrative read I Samuel 1-3) What a contrast. This shows the difference of having an ongoing intimate relationship with the Lord rather than just going through the motions...

You can break the cycle of abuse

If you want to break a cycle of abuse, dysfunction or addiction, you have to do something differently rather than what you are already doing. If your “helping is not helping, then you are not helping.” Don't seek out others who simply want to pacify you and make you feel comfortable. You will just stay stuck in disobedience. Your goal should be to rise above anything that hinders you from "walking in the Light!" Addiction needs to be replaced with a healthy productive activity. It is important that we help subsequent generations not to fall prey to these destructive behaviors. Please DON’T continue to sweep things under the rug. If you have a problem deal with it! The enemy always tries to subvert and corrupt what God intends. Know that the enemy wants to destroy your testimony and weaken your effectiveness for the LORD!

Absolutely nothing gets by God!

Sexual sin is not a new problem. There is power in the blood of Jesus! Please really begin to ask the Lord for direction and seek him out for help in all areas of your life. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” Provebs 3 With GOD all means ALL, so HIM in ALL areas of your life. All of God’s Word is true!

Less seminars, workshops, programs and more actual practical application of God’s Word implemented within our daily lives. All too often when issues arise God’s way for resolve is totally disregarded. Less excuses such as “Nobody’s perfect.” Yes, this is a truism; but God tells us to continue to strive to be perfect in Him! Less excuses of; everybody is doing this or that!... Not true! Seek to be ye perfect as the Lord says. He wants us to be complete in Him. Christ Jesus overcame sin in the flesh for us! Perfection according to Webster means: 1: the quality or state of being perfect: as a: freedom from fault or defect : flawlessness b: maturity c: the quality or state of being saintly 2 a: an exemplification of supreme excellence b: an unsurpassable degree of accuracy or excellence 3: the act or process of perfecting.

GOD is not saying we can be flawless. But complete in HIM; there is a difference. Only Christ Jesus was flawless. He is our ONLY flawless example. So we all could be without excuse! As long as the Lord has us on this side of Heaven there is room for improvement. God’s perfection really does bring inner wholeness! In Him we can become complete! God would not tell us to do something if it were not possible. To be a Christian means to commit to daily live in the WAY that pleases GOD not man!

There is Magnificent Miraculous Working Cleansing Power in the precious Blood of Christ Jesus!

God really is more than able! Marriage and the family were created by God from the very beginning. It was originally designed so that He would be the central theme of our daily existence. Since He created us He really does know what is best. He gave us healthy boundaries so we could learn discipline. So remember what He says in Jude: “But, dear friends, remember what the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the men who will divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit…

Marriage is sacred in the eyes of God.

Marriage is "HOLY MATRIMONY!" in the eyes of GOD! He intended that your physical sexual needs were to be met within the confines of the “undefiled marriage bed.” Otherwise, it is like “fire outside of the fireplace.” Sex in the spiritual sense is a time to celebrate your union and experience the pleasure of coming together as one in a secure, natural, spiritual way . And yes a time to pray as well. For it is also a time when New Life begins as well. Remember, we are to always in everything: "Trust in the Lord " We can be secure in the Lord, knowing that God is the Omnipresent Master, Teacher and Creator 24/7!

God loves us all so much that He allows you the freedom to choose. It is evident that many choose to do “their own thing.” But, are the consequences really worth it? Think about it! Look all round you and see what is happening all throughout the world. Some of everything is going on. It is important to commit to draw closer to the Lord in all areas of your life. Everywhere you are God is, everything you do or have done, He knows! Don't follow the crowd on to the broad road... You can not change what has been. But you can NOW; Seek to stay on or get on the "Straight & Narrow Path" that leads to Him. There is a very reassuring security & significance available to you when you choose to make HIS WILL and WAY your primary concern!

REPENT!!!

Repentance is possible but first one must recognize that there is sin. Sin is missing the mark. Acknowledge readily any sin in your life. Take some time to get refocused. A conscious that is sensitive to God is precious. You can be set free from any addiction or unhealthy behavior. Repeating is not REPENTING! When you sincerely REPENT you turn to God for direction and correction. God has called us as Believers to live differently. He has given us healthy boundaries in order to properly satisfy any emotional, mental and physical personal needs which can be experienced within the sanctity of marriage regardless of how young or old you are! HE CAN and WILL fill that void in a healthy way!

There is a time in marriage to come together and there is a time to remain chaste and together focus upon the Lord. Mutual agreement is key. "The wife's body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husbands body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife. DO NOT deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time so that you may devote yourselves to PRAYER. Then come together again so that satan WILL NOT tempt you because of your LACK of SELF CONTROL..." I Corinthians 7

Marriage is teamwork and you should always want what is best for one another. In a good healthy marriage you don't suffocate one another. You trust and respect one another. You should always want to honor GOD within your marriage. Discipline is key in a good healthy marriage! After all we are supposed to be Disciples of God! Love & Trust are its by products. Always Keep God as the center of your marriage.

GOD has a better way!

God always has a better way but too often the ways of the world have taken His place. Healing and restoration are possible. Set some time aside and be honest with yourself! Stop giving away parts of yourself to just anyone! Take some time for a spiritual cleansing. God has amazing power! Seeking Him through His Word one really can find rest and peace for the wearied soul. Not just reading through it. But actually digesting, grasping and implementing its tangible TRUTH! God has left us a marvelous wealth of knowledge and examples within His Word to help us to avoid the pitfalls and consequences of partaking in fulfilling the lusts of the flesh.

Partake in reading the writings of the Song of Solomon its beauty and honesty shows a balanced contrast to the blatant sexual perversions of this age. Just spend some time alternately reading it out loud with your spouse. Talk about what you are reading. Pray for direction in your marriage. You can have a healthy fulfilling balanced marriage, but it takes working together. Your marriage should be a priority. Keep God in the Center of your marriage. If you have not invited Him in please do so now. Tomorrow is not promised. Begin being consistently accountable to one another. If you are not married find someone you can be accountable to for your actions and encourages developing self-control which is part of the Fruit of His Spirit. Someone who has healthy boundaries and knows the importance of not walking in the flesh but actually walking in the Spirit! Prayer and fasting are valuable tools. You can rededicate your life to sexual purity if you have not put this into practice.. You really and truly can experience a growing healthy attainable self-esteem as a result of walking closer to the Lord.

I realize that this subject will not win a popularity contest. It may even cause a few jaws to drop. But at this point I have come to the conclusion that it is much more important “what GOD knows about me rather than what people think.” This is NOT about arrogance or being better than someone, but about being confident in the TRUTH of GOD'S WORD! Especially when you know that He knows there is “no secret agenda.” This is about setting souls to be cleansed and set free! Self-Control is part of the "Fruit of the Spirit!" My intentions are to shed Light where the darkness continues to keep the people of God and those in the world trapped in its snare. Sex outside of marriage has gotten out of control! Get you a spiritual fire extinguisher and get busy exercising more self- control!

Christ Jesus lived a sinless life to overcome sin in the flesh for ALL of us! He died a painful death on the cross for us so we as believers could live differently. Too many are more concerned about protocol rather than who to call. GOD TRULY IS ABLE!

Say YES to the LORD and NO to the messiness in this world. Live each day to please GOD and continually grow in HIS GRACE, WISDOM & KNOWLEDGE! GOD IS ABLE to KEEP You from falling!

Embrace the TRUTH of this beautiful hymn. AT THE CROSS! "At The CROSS at the CROSS where I first saw the LIGHT and the burdens of my heart rolled away. It was there by FAITH I received my sight. And NOW I am HAPPY ALL THE DAY..." THANK YOU LORD!

"HELP ME LIFT HIS HOLY NAME!" & Live Everyday; To GOD BE THE GLORY!

Are you concerned about the rate PORNography is growing?

About the Author:

DeBorrah K. Ogans is a Marriage Educator, licensed Christian Pastoral Counselor and ordained Elder/ Minister. She is certified through the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling in Creation Therapy and holds a Master’s Degree in Biblical Clinical Counseling. DeBorrah is a Co-Founder along with her husband Randall of "Alpha 7 Ministries". DeBorrah has written extensively and has a plethora of columns and sermons that are widely published. She is the author of a pre-marital guide “How Do I Love Thee: Things You Need To Know Before You Say I Do”, and "Holy Matrimony: Now That You're Married". Please visit us at; www.alpha7.org