Bill and Susan—not their real names—are foreign missionaries out in the field. Prior to this, Bill ministered as a pastor in the US. Married for 12 years and with 4 children, their work has been thriving and included the planting of a new church. However…. Last year, things took a turn for the worse—both in their marriage and [...]
While many long time Christians are deeply mired in sexual sin and allow it to fester as a life-dominating part of their lives, many new believers find a way to break free. Kent Hekel’s story is an example of how Christians—whether newbies or old-timers—can gain freedom. Anyone who knows Kent is keenly aware of his [...]
Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. (Proverbs 5:15) At first reading, the meaning of this verse seems clear enough. Using images of a cistern and a well to describe your wife, the point is that you are to draw pleasure (water) only from her. Frankly, this interpretation is flawed. [...]
Bring Back Lust Have you noticed that the word “lust” is being purged from the Bible? The Greek word for lust (epithemia) points to inner sin thirty-four times in the New Testament. In the vast majority of these places it has traditionally been properly translated as “lust” or the archaic and more precise word, “concupiscence.” [...]
Presumptuous Sin Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! (Psalms 19:13) What did David mean by “presumptuous sins?” Consider: The core idea of a presumptuous sin is that the one who sins in this way is acting arrogantly and willfully. It is sinning with eyes wide [...]
Overcoming (?!?) Lust Are you among those who feel uncomfortable with someone saying, “I have overcome lust”? Does it come off sounding presumptuous, brassy and overconfident? Might it even be contrary to Scripture and looking for trouble? Consider: “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) “If we say [...]
Family Life Today Broadcasts—July 10-11 (Click here to listen online, download an MP3 or to obtain a transcript.) Family Life (FL) is an effective, powerful ministry providing programs and resources that minister to families in many creative ways, including the popular daily Family Life Today (FLT) radio broadcasts. This program is carried by top Christian [...]
Overcoming Lust When Gay How are Christians with same sex attraction supposed to deal with lust? This question is prompted by some videos recently made available from an evangelical pastor, Danny Cortez, and his teenage son, Drew (picture above), who has same sex attraction. Pastor Cortez and his church are stepping away from their denomination [...]
Overcoming Lust in Uganda Recently, I exchanged emails with Margaret Nelson. Margaret is a Shepherd’s Staff Mission Facilitators missionary who has served in Uganda for over fifteen years. SSFMI is a rapidly growing NPO presently helping 120 churches send out and care for over 210 missionaries in 54 countries. I have served on SSFMI’s board [...]
ED (Erectile Dysfunction) is a sensitive subject. If it were not for the never-ending commercials for Viagra and similar products we would likely not even know how big a problem it has become. ED has various causes. Sadly, compulsively using internet porn is one of them. In fact, ED as a result of internet porn [...]
