having trouble with internet pornography?

Accountability helps but the greatest help is the fruit of the Spirit which is self-control.

I've been interested in this topic for awhile; why are Christian men tempted to view pornography? It seems to simplistic to say "they are consumed by lust and their depraved nature". Though there may be some truth to the aforementioned statement, has it been considered that the temptation to view pornography may spring from a lack of intimacy in their marriage? Since emotional and sexual intimacy is often on par with one another in the male psyche, lack of intimacy (more than just sexual) may result in seeking percieved intimacy from pornography. Loss of intimacy can result from many different causes: illness of a spouse, marital problems, behavioral problems of a spouse, ect... This is not an excuse to view pornography by any means but rather an opportunity to assess some of the root causes of this issue.

The root of this sin is the same as all other sins: the sinful nature. Man's depravity because of the fall of Adam causes innumerable sins, including sexual immorality.

So, how do we deal with sexual immorality? The same way we deal with all other sins: Die to self, live in Christ. Die to lust and sexual immorality, live in Christ and self-control.

By the Spirit, put this sin to death, as you do all other sins. The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Thus, whatever temptation, sin, attack, or challenge you must overcome, hold on to God's Word regarding this issue. Know what God says about it; hold on to it by faith.

Faith in Christ is your victory. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. Abide in Him. Pray until you have victory. If you feel weak, call someone to pray with you. Let us carry each other's burdens, helping one another. This is not about being "accountable" to someone else; this is about helping one another in the fight.

Keith Daniel talked about the 'second look'... the enemy may tempt with the first look but the 'second look' is entirely up to us.
He went on to say, you cannot take the 'second look' if you are soaking yourself in the Word of GOD.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:3 - Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!

How do one expect to judge angels if the angels are seeing them viewing unclean images.

"You are as holy as you want to be, any minister that tell you otherwise is a liar."

PQ*

The root of this sin is the same as all other sins: the sinful nature. Man's depravity because of the fall of Adam causes innumerable sins, including sexual immorality.

Renouncer: What you say is true. There would be no problem with sin if it were not for sin. :-) And there is great power in realizing that we are dead with Christ indeed unto sin. This realization that it is through God's grace that we have the power over sin and can reckon ourselves dead indeed to sin is key, I think, to victory.

I do want to throw another element into this discussion though. Often there are issues behind the issue. I have rarely encountered a Christian man who is struggling with pornography that does not have much deeper issues that they need God's healing and deliverance from. In other words, porn is rarely the problem, but is usually a symptom of the problem. I would say that most men I have encountered who are having problems in this area have had great damage to their souls from rejection. Most who have problems in their marriages with true intimacy (not at all limited to sexual intimacy) have these issues in their lives. These are things that they need God to step in and heal, and often they have never allowed even God to come that close to them. I am not talking psychology here, but rather wounds of the emotions and mind that God must heal. It has been my experience that when this stronghold is brought down, the symptom of addiction to pornography falls as well.

Although we are born again in the Spirit, we are all living in the flesh (that is in a physical body with mind, will, and emotions that are not redeemed yet). We are transformed in our soul (mind, will, emotions) by the renewing of the mind through the word and etc., but that is a process that will never be completed until Christ returns. We will still battle with temptations of the mind and flesh. So it is important that we have close relationships with other men of God who we can be accountable to and strengthened in the Lord. But for the addictive behavior it is much prayer and discernment that is needed to determine what strongholds need to come down to see a man delivered from this thing.

Believe it or not, this a growing problem with females. This problem is no longer confined to males.

Seems to me the devil knows his time is getting shorter and he is getting desperate and no longer is as subtle in his deception as he once was. It is flagrant, bold, public and unashamed.

This should tell us something..but then the younger generation is not aware of these subtle changes because they have not seen life from a perspective of many years.

ginnyrose

Twayneb,
I concur with your post :) As I said, it's too easy to write it off by saying "You need to stop your sinful behavior!". Obviously. Instead let's strike at the root and not minimize the emotional needs that many Christians have.

Below is a link to another SI thread which I feel has some wise advice on this topic. Don't be thrown by the thread title. The Holy Spirit brought out some great truth in the thread. https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?forum=48&topic_id=16033&post_id=124194&viewmode=thread&order=0

Don't make Jesus laugh!!YOU CANT HELP IT.............BULL ---- He is watching you PLAY him .And christian?YOU WILL REALLY PAY!Is greasy grace your hand lube?Please!!Just try to imagine his torture on Calvary.PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have found that filtering (without an over ride password) and accuntability reporting (someone can see where I surf) is a great solution, "a way of escape".

Although it does not solve the core problem of addiction, filtering software for a computer is, in my opinion, a must. It sure cuts down on the temptations that are thrust in front of the eyes. We use a filter on our machines. My wife has the passwords. It is really awesome. I NEVER have to worry about racy banner ads, pop ups, etc. They just never appear. Worry free internet usage. It's too bad Walmart does not have a "filter" for the checkout lanes. I am totally for tools that help you, but it is only Jesus who can set you free.

4Hearts, greasy grace? I despise the term, grace came at the cost of the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord thus, there is nothing greasy about it, it is grace that will pardon and cleanse within, it is grace that will cleanse us from all our sin, there is no such thing as greasy grace. There may be individuals who take advantage of that grace, but that does not make grace "greasy" and, really, don't we all take advantage of God's grace in our own peculiar, individual ways?

But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. Revelation 2:20 The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality. And on her forehead was written a name of mystery: "Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth's abominations." 17:4-5

A year ago I was drinking from this cup of filth. I was captive in Babylon. I lay here in bed next to my wife writing this right now. A year ago I was laying in bed engaging in sexual immorality as she slept beside me.

I loved sports, movies, tv shows, pop fiction books, I loved so many things that I had played the harlot with.
I did not love the Lord Jesus Christ. I loved the world. This is the root. It is spiritual harloty that leads to sexual immorality. First the spirit convicted me of how I played the whore with my God. Then the Spirit convicted me of how I really wanted to make God my prostitute to get blessings, and gifts, and eternal life, All about what he could give me if I payed him lip service. I was utterly wicked And I thought I was righteous. I deserved hell, I still do. I had to confess to my wife, I had to confess how I was holding the cross of Christ up to contempt, and as a result my witness was scattering instead of gathering.

I had to Repent of my Sins. And as I came to myself, and I saw the filth I was living in, the Pigs were all around me, I said I HAVE SINNED AGAINST HEAVEN AND EARTH AND I AM NOT WORTHY TO BE CALLED YOUR SON.

The father saw me, a long way off, I was covered in filth. I was covered in my snot and my tears. I was helpless.

AND THIS IS THE GRACE OF GOD.

HE RAN TO ME FELL ON MY NECK AND KISSED ME.

He called me his son. He said that I was his child and that he loved me. He has given me his Spirit so that I will never go back to wallowing in the filth with those Pigs again, because he loves me, and I love him. It is now unthinkable that I would ever go back.

The forgiveness found at the Cross of Jesus Christ is so overwhelming. He is so full of Grace. I would rather die then do that to my God again, my hearts desire, my greatest love, never, ever, ever again. I know that nothing will separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Brothers, you who are in this filth, come to yourselves, Repent and see the filth you are wallowing in, the Father is looking for you, he wants to run out to you and scoop you up in his arms. Please God set the captives free. Oh come out of her my people, come out. Drink from this filthy cup of abomination no longer. There is mercy in My Father's Arms. He love us so much, so, so , much.

My Son has come home. He was lost now he is found. He was dead now he lives. My Son, My Son, has come home.

I've been interested in this topic for awhile; why are Christian men tempted to view pornography? It seems to simplistic to say "they are consumed by lust and their depraved nature". Though there may be some truth to the aforementioned statement, has it been considered that the temptation to view pornography may spring from a lack of intimacy in their marriage? Since emotional and sexual intimacy is often on par with one another in the male psyche, lack of intimacy (more than just sexual) may result in seeking perceived intimacy from pornography. Loss of intimacy can result from many different causes: illness of a spouse, marital problems, behavioral problems of a spouse, ect... This is not an excuse to view pornography by any means but rather an opportunity to assess some of the root causes of this issue.

I think it is mostly indeed the consumption of lust and depraved nature. The "lack of intimacy," "spousal illness," "marital problems," and "behavioral problems of a spouse," are not things the cross fixes for "me." The cross cannot fix in me...external factors. I think these ought to only be labeled as such. All of these can be construed as excuses. If I ever approach any of my own personal sin with a construct that requires a more "saline" environment. I will never experience victory. Adam and Eve enjoyed the bliss of Eden, there was never a more perfect environment for anyone...yet sin entered through this one man. This one man who I know so well because I am/was him.

I am an ex-addict, and while temptation may arise on a daily basis, my lust has been sledge-hammered to the cross. All its putrid, vile wretchedness is now enjoying rigormortis in the wind. I cannot emphasize enough brothers (and sisters) the importance of the fruit of self-control which only comes from the Holy Spirit.

I quipped at the beginning of this thread that accountability is helpful, but it is only skin deep. Once the accountability is removed, and circumstances present you a plate of Turkish Delight, you will go right after it again with rampant ardor, and the devil will set up vacancy in your life and throw a block party for all his homies. You cannot simply "reform" or "clean" your house out. You must be filled with the Holy Ghost, Jesus must be living out his will through you. You must be his glove.

It must be the love of Christ compelling us to hate sin...to work out our salvation with fear and trembling in such a way that we do not want to disappoint our Lord.

About thirty good long readings through the book of Galatians, with an open heart and a ready mind, and a will to submit to its deepest truths wrecked lust for me. The book of Galatians is like a border-patrol agent that deported me from a world of self absorption to a state of grace.

Rule keeping is a beggarly replacement for walking in the Spirit. This is where so many "holiness" people get it wrong in my opinion. People make up all sorts of rules, or construct all sorts of paper houses in order to protect themselves from the elements of sin. God already offered us His solution, it is the cross. While God has offered us all this gift of freedom, the only way it is appropriated is through a reckoning. Reckon your death. Walk in the newness of the Spirit. Here there is no "rule," rather here is what the "rules," are always trying to point us too.

Who would ever want to live in a description of a house? No one in their right mind would ever ever consider such folly (the avant garde notwithstanding.) Rather, they do what is more sensible...they live in what was once described, and has moved on to being constructed. Every house begins with a "plan," but a plan only serves a purpose for a while.

This is grace, this is New Covenant life. This is what Jesus gave everything up for...

May God grant the grace for any brother or sister who cannot overcome this to see this sin for the puke that it is. May we respond to the conviction of the Holy Spirit..."Now to him that is able to keep thee from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. To the only wise God and Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever, Amen!" -Jude 24-25

Bro, that was an AWESOME post, what a testimony! Brought tears to my eyes man. All I have to say to that is, "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." -Revelation 12:11

hi,
I dont agree with the statement below,if you are in the lords hand your in the lords hand.If thats true all alcholics,all gamblers etc will go into the lake of fire!Where does it stop.How do know where the line is between those who go into the lake of fire and those who dont.The line is in my opinion whether they are saved.The issue raised here is whether you can loose your salvation or not.
I believe you cant and I could be wrong but I think you believe you can.I respect that position.Sin is Sin its all wrong ,habitual or not and all against God and all can be blotted out by the blood of the lamb.I have heard the arguements for and against loosing your salvation and I personally believe you cant but other christians come to the opposite conclusion.Staff

(All who don't repent of pornography will go in the lake of fire forever. That sounds blunt, but it's true! (A hundred scriptures could be given but Ephesians 5:5-6, Revelation 21:8, Rev. 21:27 come to mind) If I were to use pornography, I know I'd either repent of it in tears utterly ashamed I'd ever sin so against God (I looked at it before I was converted and I did repent in tears and shame) OR spend eternity in hell. Brothers, it's that simple! We need to remember that! )

I think one of the reasons that internet pornography is not addressed directly in churches is because it is a very dark, depraved subject to be talking about. It really is one of the worst manifestations of our old nature. It's also a problem of a private, personal nature. It may be referred to on the fringes of a sermon, but to get into the details with families present would be unthinkable.
Also, internet pornography is very much a modern phenomenon and many churches have leaders and elders from a generation where pornography was less accessible. Perhaps the pervasiveness of the problem is underestimated as well as the associated spiritual damage.

I do know a number of churches who have specific men and women ministries where the problem can be addressed more directly, but ultimately I think a private conversation with a pastor or close spiritual companion is the best way forward.

This subject should also not be given more attention than it deserves. The way to victory is not constant anguish over failure and falls, but by believers really embracing, taking seriously and enjoying! the new life they have in Christ. This way the mind will quickly be renewed to the point where the attraction to all sorts of sin will die, including internet pornography.

For those struggling, it is imperative to have filter software on their computers otherwise they should not use the internet.

In Christ

David

.however as anyone who has been an alcoholic or drug addict knows that there are many ways of escape

I was a drug addict. I used to smoke methamphetamines. AA will not save you from your sins. Drunkards and Sorcerers will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only Jesus Christ can save you from your sins. Your filters do not work. Not using the internet does not work. None of these things will deliver you from sexual immorality. It is not an addiction. It is sin. It needs to be repented of. Not managed.

I will include these links with each of my posts if that's all right with the administrator. I am associated with one of the companies just so that I am transparent but I am including links to several so that this is not spammming. www.safeeyes.com www.wisechoice.net which is a no over ride version of safeeyes www.hedgebuilders.org www.xxxchurch.com

These things treat the symptom not the core problem which is spiritual harloty. It is Idolatry to trust anything but Jesus to save you from your sins. It is Idolatry that brings you into bondage to these sins.

Repent and have Faith in Jesus Christ he is the only WAY.

Areadymind,

I love Jesus so much, Love you to brother.

Ask Ned,

God will be the judge of you and me.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." John 14:15

"Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality" Romans 13:13

Not loving Jesus is spiritual harlotry. Babylon is the mother of Harlots and those in her will drink from the cup of her abominations.

God alone will keep us clean by his Holy Spirit. The blood of Jesus alone will wash our stains away.

Many want to do it their own way,

"There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." Proverbs 14:12

My story is from a woman’s experience (I hope this translates well). When married, my ex-husband wanted me to watch with him and I did but I secretly blamed him for watching porn b/c he was the one with the problem and the Lord revealed to me “MY” own lusts of the flesh.

During this time I would pray, “Lord, show me what I need to be removing from my life and I will remove it!” When all the while, this tiny, small voice in the back of my mind would imply ‘pornography,” and I’d pray louder, “Lord show me what you want me to remove and I’ll remove it!” I didn’t want to admit that “LISA” might have a problem.

One night I had a dream and in it the phone was ringing AT 3:00 in the morning (on the other side of the my house) and as I was walking through my house, it was like walking through a half lit house with lots of shadows and the light trying to get in. (It looked like SWAT had all their lights set up outside of my house.) I got to the phone, picked it up and said, “Hello,” a voice sounding very strong said, “You aren’t MOVING what you’re supposed to be moving.” I said, “Who is this?” and the voice said, “I’m an angel in the night.” I asked, “What am I supposed to be moving?” And he said, “You know EXACTLY what supposed to be moving. I’ve got to go; I have more phone calls to make.” Click.

In my prayers, I was blaming my husband and saying, “If you fixed him, then I would be helped, so help him first; (I tell ya, we human beings like to play the games, don’t we? lol) It took a few months of prayer and reading the word but the Lord began showing me that it was “ME” oh Lord standing in the need of prayer.

The second thing that the Lord brought to my attention was through listening to a local pastor’s wife speak at a women’s prayer breakfast (on cassette tape in 1996 or 7) and I can only remember one sentence from it; she was semi-quoting Job, “I DON’T LOOK AT THE THINGS I USED TO LOOK AT BECAUSE I HAVE MADE A COVENANT WITH MY EYES.”

I wept all the way home and looked up “eyes” in my strong’s concordance and found Job 31.1 and Rev 3.18. I found Wesson oil in my cabinet and anointed my eyes tears and oil and made a covenant with God that I would not look at the things I used to look at. I shared this with my husband and he did ask me a little later about watching a movie but I started crying and he KNEW I couldn’t and wouldn’t. He never asked again.

Then the cares of this life got in the way and I divorced and backslid a few years later and I never watched porn again BUT I did buy romance novels. God has such patience with us. After 3 or 4 years, the Lord wooed me back to Him and we started again to clean out my mind from even more stuff, here’s what has worked for me.

Finding a private place and describing (out loud and in detail) to the Lord what I was thinking about. Do you know how humiliating that is? But I would rather be humiliated here on earth than be standing before Him and Him showing all that stuff to me and the masses behind me.

I’m not bragging, I am just humbling sharing that when you are tired of being carried away by your mind, you try anything. And I tried one time explaining out loud to God what was going on in my mind and it worked! So I tell him when satan tries to onslaught me.

Only what we try to hide and keep for ourselves (in the dark recesses of our mind) thrives and takes root. The only ammunition the devil has is when we are working with him to hide whatever it is we don’t want God to see; stop hiding your fantasies from God, be honest with Him and these won’t have such a hold on you.

God help us all get to purity in mind and body,
Lisa

I posted this on the other discussion of similar sort. But if anyone reading this thread does have this problem and need help privately, here's a website that has a section that will help you with just that.

www.illbehonest.com

There is a lot of Paul Washer material there and they seem to be pretty trustworthy.

Hope it helps.

Beware of making light of sin. Remember what you are dealing with. At the surface, it may look like mere habits; but at the root, it is a dangerous evil. Accountability partners and internet filters might help you deal with habits, but they will never kill the daunting enemy. Make a declaration of full-out war against the sinful nature and its enticements, saying, "Wherever I find you, I'll kill you." Your only hope in this war is to abide in Christ. By the Spirit of Christ, put to death the misdeeds of the flesh.

Do not be like King Saul, who did not see it necessary to completely destroy the Amalekites. Call on the Spirit of the Lord to put this Agag to death. Do not leave anyone breathing. Like Samuel, say to this treacherous enemy, "As your sword has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women", and hack this sin to pieces before the LORD!

If you need help from a friend, may it be to hold you up in the fight, and not simply to wait for an account of the battle. When the messenger cries out, “Fallen! Fallen!”, there is nothing left but bitter weeping. Otherwise, when your life is in jeopardy, may the son of Zeruiah deliver you from the hands of the giant's offspring.

Finally, take heed to this warning: Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted (Galatians 6:1).

Askned,

Even if you do not have access to internet pornographic websites, you can still be sexually immoral in your heart and on your way to hell.

As much as I agree with incentives to stay away from such sources of temptation, they still don’t deliver you from sin; they simply help your behaviour. “Flee from sexual immorality” should be written on your heart, not enforced by guilt or the fear of man.

This is the difference between victory in Christ and conformity in the works of the flesh. One saves from sin; the other deceives unto death. Saving grace compels us to uphold the Law, not the other way around.

This is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.

Hi,I agree with what your saying here except I would like to point out that their are alot of great preachers on this website and some of them believe you can loose your salvation and some dont.Its by no means clear cut.I dont know what the breakdown is.I do think that your reward in heaven is at stake though.I do respect your position but I would like to point out to viewers of this thread that point on salvation,Staff

(Even if you do not have access to internet pornographic websites, you can still be sexually immoral in your heart and on your way to hell.)

Praying and fasting do not get rid of sin in our hearts. You could pray and fast to the grave, and go there a hungry adulterer. Aestheticism will not save you. The cross saves you. It is the Blood...the Blood. Our faith must ever be in the power of the Blood.

It's too bad Walmart does not have a "filter" for the checkout lanes.

Too bad there is no filter to filter out the people that shop there in varying stages of undress...

ginnyrose

(In all fairness, there are many preachers that also have a love for their doctrine much more than they have a love for Scripture. The breakdown, if you will, really might not be as unclear as some might have you believe.)

Hi,
On any other threads on Salvation and you will see that it is not clear cut like you put across and preachers will show scripture to show that once saved always saved.We were saved,we are being saved and ultimately when we die or raptured we will be saved.It is equally dangerous to tell people they are going to hell when they are saved.Of course their are consequences of sin.Our Judgement is one of reward not of salvation.No matter which way you put it either grace or works gets us to heaven and we know it is not works.When Jesus died on the cross all my sins and yours were in the future.
This is not a thread on salvation but a very very useful thread on sin.I just wanted to point out that not all scholars of the word of god go with once saved always saved like you and show scripture to support that side and some schlolars of the word of god believe you cant loose your salvation and show scriptures to support that view.You put your side accross as if their is no other view,
Preaching Judgement is really important though and works best with the unsaved and not scaring the life out of the saved in my opinion,Staff

Even if we did start to hear it being spoken of from the pulpit, I think there will only be a change when the pulpit becomes broken for the sin in the camp as Ezra was.

Amen

I have one, and I tell others too get them as well.

"If we are truly interested in the truth, we would look at all Scripture not just the ones that support our individual positions. If we don't we would in fact be guilty of the very thing we accuse others of without realizing it. When we approach scripture with a biased position, we will readily see all the Scriptures that propose to support that position. If we approach Scripture, emptying ourselves of any biases, we will get but a glimpse of God's whole counsel and realize that "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."

Brother, I agree with you that many times we are blinded by our own opinions and bias, and out of this comes division and strife.

I am seeing this many times on these forums. Two brothers debating on a subject and taking different positions and both of them having a part of the truth. If we would come before God with a teachable spirit knowing that we don't know anything as we ought to and allow the Holy Spirit to teach us then we would see as God sees and would let go of our own personal biases.

The Body of Christ is a diverse Body. It is a many membered Body, and the Lord wants us to see the whole Body, and that each and every member is important and needs to function to the building up of the Body of Christ.

The pornography issue in the Church today is a serious problem, and it is wise to take measures such as filters to avoid tempation, but we need to be free from the tyranny of self and the flesh. Only the blood of Jesus can wash away our sin. Only the cross of Christ can crucify the affections and lusts of the flesh. Only knowing our authority in the Lord Jesus Christ and taking that authority over all of the works of the devil in our lives will we be free. We must know the power and authority that has been given to us in the name that is above every name. The name of Jesus is far above all principality and power and every name that is named. "In my name, you shall cast out demons." (Mark 16:17).

Mike

When I noticed that people were beginning to argue over the issue of whether or not someone can lose his salvation, I thought to myself, “What does that have to do with fighting against sexual immorality?” But, when I read AbideinHim’s last post, I realized that the two are connected in a very intimate way.

What makes us treat others harshly? What causes sexual immorality? What causes dissensions, hatred, discord, and factions? What causes fights and quarrels among us? Don’t these things come from our sinful desires that battle within us? We want something but don’t get it. So we kill and covet. What do you think it means that God yearns jealously for the spirit that He has made to dwell in us? Is this truth without purpose?

What is the answer? Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you double-minded. Realize your misery, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, and He will lift you up. For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

We are fighting against sin. We can only really put it to death by faith using the sword of the Spirit. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing of the sort. The problem is sin. The answer is Christ. In this case, the sin is sexual immorality; the victory is self-control.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:3-9)

how will you respnd?
There have been over 1300 views of this discussion thread. Assuming that each of these is an individual (probably not the case) then 650 of us have been acessing internet pornography today...perhaps between watching these posts.
__________________________________________

I think personally this thread should be shut down because of two things, some seem to be stereotyping because of views, and another thing is, my 15 year old son that is also a member here, just ask me why do they allow threads like this. I just told him, I don't know son, but an open forum on a Christian website is not the place,we both agreed. So carry on with the assumptions, and don't forget a lot of the views are probably picked up from someone actually searching on Google or another search engine for internet pornography,and it sends them here just because of one word,"pornography".

Dear friend, please pray for wisdom on this topic.

We must not be ignorant of Satan's devices. If you take a person who has recently been born-again and saved from the grip of alcohol abuse, and start reminding him daily about the ungodly pull and power of beer and wine, he or she will soon find themselves thinking about drinking.

This same thing happens when you mention the pull and ungodliness of pornography over and over again to someone who has been struggling with the sin. It has a reverse effect. It actually causes them to think about it, and just seeing the word "porn" and what it represents can suddenly conjure images they would rather not experience.

Paul told Timothy to plainly "flee youthful lusts" (2 Tim. 2:22), and never went on a "fleeing youthful lust crusade" dedicated soley to sexual sin. Not even with the sexually-reprobate Corinthian believers did he do this. In Paul's epistles there was never an agenda exclusively focusing on one particular sin. Nor is there any evidence of such in the other apostles' writings or ministries.

I think we can go off-course and actually give the devil firepower when we do these types of things. I ask you to please pray and consider these thoughts before continuing on in this thread.

Askned,

I agree that sexual immorality has to be dealt with, and that people should be graciously helped and not condemned when they come for help.

Moreover, I think internet filters are a good idea.

BUT...

The problem is still SIN. The solution is still CHRIST. Internet filters will never take away the root of the sin, which is in the heart. Your testimony doesn't even mention the name of Jesus, or the power of the Holy Spirit, or victory in Christ, or the regenerating power of God; you just talk about internet filters as though you were selling a product that is nothing more than self-help damage-control:

"I don't understand why there is so little direct addressing of the issue of internet porn in the church. As pastors you know that the church is loaded with it as are the pastors. Everyday Pastors and parishioners alike are losing their ministries, the marriages and their reputations to this but still no one will discuss it in the pulpit in any meaningful way. I had issues with internet porn and finally found that there are ways to put a wall around myself as well as add accountability support which has kept me clean from it. A large number of ministers (estimated at 40% of ministers who access th einternet) and estimated half of the men in the congregations are using it yet little is said. This is an 800 pound gorilla in the room. There are many ways of approaching this issue...is anyone interested? Blessings- Ned"

Satan doesn't want people to know about the victory that Christ offers. He wants them to "manage" the problem of sin, but still be slaves to their depravity and on their way to hell. I am taking a stand against the lies of the devil.

The truth is that Jesus Christ has come to set you free from your sins (Matthew 1:21). The truth is that the Holy Spirit is greater than the devil (1John 4:4). The truth is that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away and all things have become new (2Corinthians 5:17). The truth is that either you are a slave to sin, or you are a slave to righteousness (Romans 6:18). The truth is that God's commands are not burdensome for those who have been born of God, because they have overcome the world by faith in Christ Jesus (1John 5:3-4). The truth is that although no one is perfect on this earth, the Holy Spirit in us sanctifies us and gives us strength to put these sins to death (Romans 8:13-14).

And I want all men and women to know the truth, for the truth will set them free! (John 8:32)

If anyone comes to me broken because of this sin (and people have done so), I do not condemn them, nor do I patch up their problem. I give them the truth that will set them free. I teach them to use their sword. I pray with them. I point to Christ. I tell them that there is hope, and that hope is in Christ, and in Christ alone.

May He receive all glory due His Name, for He is mighty to save! Even from pornography! Come on! Do you really think that Christ can save you from eternal hell, but not from pornography? Come on!

... and finally found that there are ways to put a wall around myself...

"For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her."
Zechariah 2:5

The Lord himself is a better wall then any man made wall. To him be all the Glory! Glory to the Lord Jesus Christ! He is mighty to save!

Is there something wrong with this???? I don't think so. Guard yourselves

"Little children, guard yourselves from idols." 1 John 5:21

Askned,
Here is why I am extremely skeptical:

1) You claim that you are "Baptised in the Spirit" and yet "unable to resist" this sin...
There's something awefully wrong here. (1John4:4, 1John5:4)

2) Moreover, you are proposing "another way"...
This is dangerous doctrine, to say the least.

3) In addition, your analogy is unbiblical. If God sends someone to help you, that person won't tell you that Christ can't save you but that a filtering system can! A messenger from God will point to Christ for victory, regardless of the instruments he uses.

4) Thus far, you have only argued against Scripture. You have replied with bitter venom against posts that were filled with the Word of God.

And here is what you are trying to sell: "You don't have the power to overcome sin, and neither will Jesus help you. So, you need to accept the fact that this sin is stronger than you are, and just put a superficial wall around you, so that your deadly sinful passions will not flare up on the computer. Just 50$ a year. You know you can't make it anyways, right? Just give up on Christ."

God is not in this marketing scheme. The Spirit of God points to Christ. You don't speak much of that victory in Christ. In fact, you deny that victory. You falsely say that temptation is greater than what you can bear, which is contrary to the truth that could set people free (1Corinthians 10:13).

I beg with you to consider the problem with your proposal. I am saying this out of love for you, and out of love for the brethren on this forum. I am not against internet filters, except when they cover up evil and turn people away from Jesus Christ.

Tonight, I am going to bed, not having watched pornography. And why did I not watch pornography?

1) Is it because I was not tempted? No.
2) Is it because a filtering system is keeping me from accessing these websites? No.
3) Is it because someone is watching me and I am afraid of that person finding out? No.
4) Is it because I am stronger than other men? No.

It is because Jesus Christ has saved me. It is because I have received the seal of the Holy Spirit in me, having been born of God, and the mighty Spirit of God has poured the love of Christ in my heart. It is because Christ lives in me. It is because God is mighty to save! And if I am tempted, I will hold on to God's promises, because His promises are true and worthy to be trusted! He has said that He would set me free from slavery to sin; Jesus came to destroy the devil's works. I am free! (Ephesians 1:19-23, Romans 6:18, 2Corinthians 3:17-18, Galatians 5:1, 1Peter 2:16, 1John 3:8, Psalm 28:8)

Oh, praise the Lord, all you his people! Praise His holy Name! Be strong and courageous! Hold on to the Word of Christ, for God will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Turn to Him for strength! Turn to Him for deliverance!

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
(1 Corinthians 10:13)

I don't care if you preach filtering or not but I do care if you fail to address the issue of Internet Pornography as Satan and the flesh uses it to savage the body of Christ..... the issue of "blind guides" comes to mind.

Paul

I think the overwhelming majority of brothers on this thread have clearly, with articulate testimony, and biblical wisdom, shared how Jesus is the one who delivers from wickedness. You asked for our opinion on what we are doing, and we are sharing about our deliverance and you have just called it "preaching."

I think if you are going to come into a room of mechanics, who are all A.S.E. certified and ask them for advice on how to fix your pinging engine, and they all unanimously tell you that you need to replace the whole thing, and you resent the advice and go over to the International House of Pancakes and pour syrup into the engine, well...I guess that is your prerogative.

I used to try to use filters for sanctification...but they NEVER got rid of the lust in my heart, the only good they serve in my opinion is as a buffer of protection to prevent unwanted temptation. It was not until I completely trusted in the work of the cross, that I was delivered from my sin. I now hate it with a vengeance. I now have a covenant with my eyes, so that when I know that no one even knows but the Lord, and something tempting comes before me, I avert mine eyes and I turn to gratitude and prayer. This has been a consistent theme in my life for many many years now. This is not exagerative, and I boast in nothing but the cross and its radical power.

If you truly truly want to use a biblical form of aestheticism that Jesus advocated, and to my knowledge, very few ever have. Then chop off your hand and gouge out your eyes, for it is better to enter heaven without them than to go into hell with them.

The pharisees kept asking the blind man how he got healed, and who healed him. All the blind man could say was..."I was blind but now I see."

It seems to me as if you are not willing to listen to the eyewitness testimony from many brothers, and you depreciate the cross.

Now for a few Scriptures. As one of the moderators has requested discretion in how this is discussed.

"Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done in secret." -Ephesians 5:11-12 Our brother Paul has correctly stated that great caution should be used in how this topic is handled. In other words avoid the explicit at all costs. It is disgusting, it should not be directly discussed, but rather laterally.

"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference; And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." -Jude 21-23

In other words, handle fleshly topics like this one with a pair of biblical tongs. Pinch your nose, avert your eyes, and exercise great caution knowing that even the mere mentioning of it can cause great temptation. Focusing on the sin, and responding to it with carnal measures will never help anyone.

"For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." Certain men have crept into the church teaching that you can be a christian and can also be lascivious. And they deny Jesus Christ. In another passage it says, "They have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof."

I also agree with Renouncer, your example is un-biblical and not helpful.

Here is how you get help from God as Galatians points out. This is completely my paraphrase into simple language.

One...recognize your sin for what it is. Call it what it is. Lust! That is what the Bible calls it.

Two...Confess it to God. Admit your failure. God only gives grace to the humble, he becomes the enemy of those who think they can solve sin on their own, the prideful ones. (Additional paraphrase help from the book of James.)

Three...place your faith in Him to deliver you. Confess your great need for his Spirit to deliver you, and he will perfect you. Never, above ALL Things, never excuse your sin. Do not even give it a sliver of day light, shake not its hand. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Four...do not return to the beggarly elements of the law which always included all sorts of external reform.

Five...continue to walk in the Spirit and you WILL NOT fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Six...continue to walk in faith and do not lapse.

Seven...become crucified to the world, and crucify the world to yourself and walk in that.

This is freedom. This is how the just "live" by faith, as Galatians points out.

I appreciate your zeal, I appreciate your passion, but Appolos also had passion and zeal that needed to be re-directed to New Covenant life. Please consider the advice you have been given here. I plead with you out of love to just preach the gospel message of deliverance from sin. That is the gospel.