Jim Vander Spek

Knowledge and Power

Technological knowledge is increasing I am reading George Gilder’s latest book, Knowledge and Power: the Information Theory of Capitalism and How It Is Revolutionizing our World.   It is a challenging and important book.  I would start with this review if you want to learn more about it. Gilder’s work is an antidote for the economic [...]

Expulsive Power

Expulsive Power Wouldn’t you love to have “Expulsive Power” when it comes to lust?  It sounds like a Madison Avenue slogan that could be applied to a laundry detergent or drain cleaner. The phrase, “expulsive power” comes from the sermon—The Expulsive Power of a New Affection—written by the Scottish preacher Thomas Chalmers (1780-1840).  Jared, a reader [...]

Jared’s Story

Jared (not his real name) is a long-time Christian and pastor.  He is also a regular reader of this blog. ….his occasional dabbling with pornography got out of hand. Last week Jared called me and shared a story from his life. It is a cautionary tale and he is hoping others will learn from his [...]

The Greatest Enemy

The Greatest Enemy “Partial obedience is the greatest enemy of obedience.”  Charles Stanley made this comment in a sermon recently, flashing this phrase on the television screen, so it could be remembered. God is not asking you to do the impossible. You may not think that this truth—when it comes to lust—applies to you, especially if [...]

Emailing a Sexaholic – Part 2

Emailing a Sexaholic—Part 2 Last week I shared about some emails between Matthew, who is a part of Sexaholics Anonymous, and me.  Go here to read the earlier post and here for the email exchange. The Gospel message is one of transformation, not recovery. Here are some additional observations that relate to this dialogue: Defining [...]

Emailing a Sexaholic

Emailing a Sexaholic Over the last few months, I have been emailing Matthew, a self-identified sexaholic.  He is also a committed Christian who is progressively gaining victory over lust. Lust is the problem—not the many harmful behaviors that it brings with it. Matthew is part of Sexaholics Anonymous (SA), a twelve step recovery program. Earlier [...]

Teach Your Children Well

Are you teaching your children how to overcome lust?  Shouldn’t every young person be equipped to do this? Sadly, as a child, I did not receive such training.  Even worse, I did not provide such instruction to my children either. Though modeling and prayer are great—they are not enough. Some time ago, I was challenged [...]

“My Joy”

Lust and joy do not go together. Although lust provides pleasure “for a season,” (Hebrews 11:25), it never leads to joy. If you are not experiencing joy in your life, you need to find out where you are not being obedient to Jesus. Joy is not the same as pleasure or happiness that we generate. It [...]

IRS Scandal and Lust

IRS Scandal and Lust What do these two things have to do with each other? First, consider the scandal: As a CPA, I deal often with the IRS, taxpayers and exempt organizations. The revelations about current IRS malfeasance make me furious. Knowing that the IRS treats some citizens worse than others—solely because of their political      [...]

Crucify the Flesh

Crucify The Flesh As those who follow Christ, we are saved by the blood of Christ. It was His sacrifice that made it possible for us to become God’s children. However, we must not sit back and rest in this forgiveness. God intends for our sins to die as well.  This is a central theme for the [...]

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