It’s absolutely sickening how many so called ministers and ministries post about wanting to show people how to be set free but first require an email, phone number and / or money. 1Peter 5:2 “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; “

Please join me in prayer for a Christian person who thinks they are receiving calls from someone who isn't calling them. The subject of the calls has something to do with money but it's unclear what they are saying to the recipient of the calls because the recipient refuses to explain. It's all very confusing and the person receiving the calls doesn't make any sense. They need God's protection and clarity at the very least. God knows the details and what needs to be done to restore this person's peace. Thank God and thank you in advance.

Confessing Port Addiction Part 2

When we’re free, all of the past sins become a testimony to what God has done in our lives. The temptation to just admit to others certain parts and hide others is real. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Hiding bits just gives the devil opportunities to get back in at a future date. It’s like taking a bath without cleaning the entire body. As long as it’s partly dirty it’s not completely clean. Confession can be made without going into detail which might cause the listener distress. We are owning up to our past, not reliving it. We seek to confess our sin, we’re not attempting to prove how awful it was. The listener can figure that out on their own. Once the past is out in the open it’s freeing. There’s no more looking over your shoulder or waiting for the other shoe to drop. I know. I’ve tried it both ways. If we are to come clean the break from sin must be complete just as the new or renewed commitment to God must be complete. I repeat, if we only come clean partially we are not truly clean.

God forgives completely; people don’t always do so. We need to seek forgiveness from those we’ve hurt unless it would cause greater or additional harm to do so. We can’t always approach everyone we have hurt to ask forgiveness or make restitution. God knows our heart and our willingness. In some cases it may be possible later in life. Depending on any laws we may have violated there may be some legal areas to be resolved as well. Even in those cases God can and will see you through whatever penalty the law requires to be satisfied.

As we share our testimony with others of God setting us free from sexual sin God is glorified. Maintaining faith in God to bring us through any hardships is an exercise of faith. We can trust that in the long run it will all work out for our best and His glory. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Confessing Porn Addiction Part 1

Recently a man asked me this question in response to my post on rejecting porn. In that post I shared the need to admit to the addiction.

Openly admitting a porn addiction may have worked for you but why would you confess something that you have done in secret- especially such a private thing, to anyone but God and a trusted confidante? Especially if it risks causing much more pain to another that knows nothing of your private sins?

To start with, it is Scriptural. John‬ ‭8‬:‭32 and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.‬ ‭

Admittedly, Jesus was referring here to knowing and accepting Him by becoming a disciple and how this would set one free. The principle however of being set free by truth extends into many other areas as well. When we face the truth that we are addicted or caught up in a habit of sexual sin we take the first step to deliverance. Getting over the denial that allows us to think we can stop for good anytime sets us free to admit we need help.

Help comes when we confess our sin and seek God’s forgiveness. 1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Far too often this is where people stop. Sincerely seeking forgiveness, and I emphasize sincerely, involves repentance and dedication or rededication whichever applies. Repentance is turning away from the sin and going the opposite direction. It requires shutting the doors and windows to your spiritual home, your heart and nailing them shut! (Which I address in another post.) Dedicating or rededicating your life to God provides the strength necessary. Without following this step the enemy will creep back in.

Whatever demon tempted and/or tormented you with addiction will return with company to regain and strengthen the hold it once had upon you and make it even harder to break free again. It’s oppression in the case of a Christian. For non Christians the demonic creatures possess the person’s desires. Matthew 12:43-45 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Some programs exist that offer encouragement to break the habit and remain clean without a commitment to Christ. Even they recognize the need to turn to a power higher than the individual. While they have some success stories participants are constantly reaffirming they are addicts when they introduce themselves. They may be living free in the moment but they also live in the fear of relapse. They don’t experience the complete freedom Jesus gives. It’s much like the difference between being cured of a disease and being symptom free. The cure calls for turning one’s life over to God completely and receiving deliverance from the cravings and haunting guilt of sin.

Rejecting Porn and Other Sexual Sin

Any Christian finding themselves caught in the addition of sexual sin quickly realizes the addiction is a bondage which repeatedly leads them to sin. Over time it can become just as addictive as any drug. They may go to God repeatedly asking forgiveness, feeling freed but then returning to the sin feeling as if they can't stop the cycle. Non-Christians may experience some similar behavior and show signs of remorse, conviction or condemnation. The best course of action for a non-Christian begins with giving their life over to Jesus Christ by asking His forgiveness for all sins and asking Him to be their boss (Lord).

Deliverance comes when the one caught in this cycle not only asks forgiveness but repents. Repentance means turning away and going the opposite direction. Getting rid of links, connections, passwords and emails connected with websites, chatrooms, dating sites, message boards, printed materials, toys, apparel, etc. is a must! Verbally going to God and making a commitment to God should be accompanied with verbal rejection of all lustful desires.

Denial is not an option! Confession to those that have been affected in any way by the sin and ask their forgiveness. Yes, this includes spouses above all! Trusting a spouse is essential to renewing a marriage and starting fresh basing the relationship on truth and openness before God and each other. This can be one of the most difficult steps to take but it can’t be neglected. Failure to come clean with one’s mate prevents a future built on honesty. Opening up may cost friends and even family relationships. This possibility can’t be avoided by not owning up behavior they already suspect. Any hope of salvaging relationships must be based in honesty. They chose to like or dislike us in the past and must evaluate the future choice on their own. Others can’t be forced to understand the depth of the grasp sexual sin commands. Those we confess to may not know how to process what they hear. Some will be shocked and/or repulsed by the confession. Others will recognize what the Holy Spirit is doing in bringing deliverance and rejoice. Family members and friends may turn away. They must make their own choice. If they are Christians they will have to sort through their feelings before God. Confession works with repentance and renewed commitment in evidencing deliverance from the addiction.

Testifying to others about the deliverance through Jesus serves to bring glory to God where sin and shame once existed. It also helps to strengthen the confidence and resolve to stay clean and committed to Christ. We need to pray for those who can’t or won’t see this and continue to love them.

If you’ve read this far you might wonder what makes me any kind of authority on this subject. I’ve experienced God’s deliverance from a lack of sexual integrity in several areas of my life. I thought several times I had turned from it but I kept going back. In short, I failed to truly repent by leaving open opportunities to go back to it. This continued for decades even as I served in several positions within churches. The cost has been high but deliverance was worth it all. God has restored much and continues to do so. My testimony could be lengthy, so I’ll just end with this: God gave me a loving wife who prayed, forgave me and stood by me.
We’ve been married over 50 years now. God still has a use for me. He never gave up on me. He can and will deliver you as well if you allow Him to.

God bless you!

Roman Rejection

Sharing the Gospel brings many Christians to question why catholics seem to quickly become angry and refuse to view Biblical facts. Since they also say they believe the Bible is the Word of God anger and disbelief on their part seems most confusing. Perhaps this will help explain some of the issues many Protestants don’t realize catholics deal with. This information applies to Roman catholics specifically but many points also apply to orthodox and other branches.

In a catholic home children grow up with the concept they will go to Heaven as long as they follow the rules of the church. The Bible is held as God’s Word. It differs from Protestant versions in that it contains more books.

Their version of the Bible is comprised of 72 books (73 if Lamentations is separate from Jeremiah). The Old Testament has 45 (or 46) books and the New Testament has 27. A standard Protestant Bible contains 66 books: 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Books included in both versions essentially agree with each other.

Specific prayers are memorized and recited. Some will be repeated throughout adulthood. Questions about God may be answered by other church members. Parents are expected to teach church doctrine to the children and encourage them to ask the local priest(s) questions as well as family who are catholic. Asking a priest a matter of doctrine is considered going to a divine authority. Whatever the priest says comes from God and is fact.

Catholic schools include doctrinal teaching from the start and play a big part in introducing children to the sacraments and traditions. If children don’t attend a parochial school they are expected to be included in regular instructional classes by the church as early as appropriate for their age.

Adult converts to catholicism undergo rather intensive education in church doctrine prior to becoming members in good standing. Much emphasis is placed on the belief catholicism is the first and only true church which Jesus started. Papal authority also is stressed along with the authority of the priests in matters of doctrine.

To question the accuracy of a priest’s explanation of doctrine just isn’t done. By the time a catholic child matures or an adult finishes classes to become a catholic they basically accept anything a priest says. Rejecting church teaching seems in the mind of a catholic the same as rejecting a word from God. The priest is seen as God’s representative on Earth and his words carry Godly authority.

Historical documents from “saints” and “church fathers” approved through the years by church experts and ecumenical councils bear the same weight as Scripture. Church traditions and ceremonies hence are accepted as sacred and almost as acts of God when performed or followed. Participation in a rite procures blessings for those involved.

When a Christian confronts a catholic with the Bible the defense presented most often points to some church tradition and/or teaching. This seems plausible to them since they hold those beliefs as facts. Since they also claim to believe the Bible Protestants expect them to hold the Biblical teachings as final truths.

The problem with them accepting the Bible over their doctrines lies with what they believe Protestants falsely believe. They think catholic doctrine is on par with the Word of God. Protestants believe in what catholics often call the doctrine of Sol Scriptura. Basically it’s a Latinized way of saying, only Scripture. They fault Protestants for believing only what’s in the Bible.

Since they claim to also believe the Bible they become frustrated when the Scripture contradicts a principle or practice of their doctrine. When that happens they generally say something about Sol Scriptura being a false doctrine. Next they try to change the subject rather than deal with the fact the Scripture they claim to believe contradicts the belief being discussed. The only other place they can go is to the research from the catholic church, by the catholic church and approved by the catholic church to prove the accuracy of the catholic church.

Try to be patient with catholics and keep sharing the Bible. Remember to share in love. God promises: Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

I’m a little bit confused. If people are witnessing on the street because they want to share the Gospel why do they seem to think they should have someone video it and post it to social media? It appears to me they might be wanting attention or credit from others for what they’re doing. I don’t understand the need to draw attention to themselves. I also haven’t seen one video yet where they actually lead anyone to Christ. They usually present some pretty good apologetics. I just don’t get it.

How Many Days

It’s that time of year again! As Easter nears the debates pop up about how long Jesus was actually in the tomb. Christians generally accept Jesus was in the grave for three days and arose from the dead on the third day. Calculations beginning with Good Friday start the questions.

As we count days, the space between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning don’t allow for the three days mentioned in the Bible. Matthew 12:40 “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” speaks of three days and three nights. Other places such as Mark 14:58 we see the reference to simply there days, “We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.”

Some see similar Scriptures as contradicting each other. Regardless, the math still doesn’t work. Our problem in reckoning the timeline according to the generally accepted explanation comes from the way we refer to a day. Using the term we translate as day in the time Christ walked upon the Earth meant the entire day according to Jewish tradition.

Using the calculations of that day, saying Jesus died and was placed in the grave on Friday would count as a day. Friday consisted of morning and night making one day. Saturday referd to morning and night making day two. Sunday, even though it was early morning, would count as an entire day as well making day three. Not everyone agrees with this formula. Some maintain the church, primarily the catholic church, set up the “holy week” calendar as a matter of convenience which caught on and has been kept.

Another school of thought says the actual window of events started with the Passover meal (last supper) taking place on Wednesday with the actual crucifixion and burial taking place Thursday. An argument arises over whether or not looking back on the calendar supports the actual feast taking place at that time. The calculation of three days in this line of thinking is: Thursday night and Sunday morning equal one whole day, Friday morning and Friday night make a day. Saturday morning and Saturday night comprise a day for a total of three days and three nights.

Another method is bit more relaxed in the interpretation of Scripture. It uses our modern way of thinking about a day. Proponents believe the Bible didn’t rigidly limit the time in the grave. Believers in this method look at Wednesday as the time of the crucifixion actually taking place. Again, backtracking the date of the Feast of Passover comes into question. Using this model Jesus would have laid in the sepulcher Wednesday evening, all day Thursday, Friday and Saturday rising on Sunday for a total of three full days and nights not counting Wednesday and Friday since they were only partial days.

One more group looks at the widely accepted standard method first mentioned but they hold the belief that Jesus didn’t die. They believe He was mistaken for dead and the coolness of the tomb revived Him. For this to be true we must believe that He as a man was beaten until he was no longer recognizable as a man, had his beard plucked out, was scourged in a manner that quite often killed men from blood loss, was crowned with thorns, forced to carry a cross until he collapsed and could not continue to do so, was nailed to that cross, dehydrated and had his heart pierced by a sword/spear pouring out blood and water. After this he hung on the cross until he was taken down and moved to the tomb, left for dead and sealed in. When he was placed in the tomb he didn’t suffocate but revived, found the strength to get out of the grave and walk about the countryside forty days as witnessed by over 500 people before ascending into Heaven. My thinking is that this takes way more faith to believe than the Bible narrative!

Arguing about the timeline of the death, burial and resurrection takes our attention away from point. Jesus suffered and endured the events of Easter week so we could be forgiven for all our sins and spend eternity with Him! Let’s not lose sight of what Easter is about. Spread the message. Jesus is Alive!

Praise the Lord!! Our healthcare giver just got saved today!

Former catholic now an ordained minister answering question about Christianity, the Bible and life after catholicism. God has brought my wife and I through 50+ years of marriage. I cheated on her for years before receiving deliverance. Our marriage is proof God can heal relationships.