Please check out the article on the Phoenix Preacher. BrianD has struck a chord in relation to a silent and stealthy epidemic which plagues our society today. Pornography is an epidemic of massive proportions which if allowed to go unchecked can and will ruin the lives of those involved with it and anyone around them. This post has inspired me to pray about having an accountability group within my church, I really like the X3 watch program and think it would be a great tool to use. Ultimately the only way that we can overcome this addiction is through honesty, prayer, and a realization that as Paul would say “Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”, and also “Set your mind on things above”. If we through the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit can do this I think we will find ourselves living no longer under the condemnation and slavery that is brought about buy this “secret” sin.
Tommy O'Keefe said
Hey Shawn, all of the pastors at the church i’m at (Harvest Christian Fellowship, Reston VA) and some of the guys in the congregation use Covenant Eyes. It costs a few dollars a month, but I like it more than x3 watch… Whatever you decide to use, I think it is a win/win situation.
bluefreak57 said
Tommy,
Thanks for the info. I really like the $ tag on X3 being that it is free. I know some guys are just looking for an excuse not to get this because it might cost. I want to take away any excuse.
Eric said
Same as I posted on PP: whenever I set up a class on this subject or even just a mens group it always includes Covenant Eyes and Every mans battle. Even if it isnt straight up , there is soo much out there we consider safe, yet does it line up with Gods standard for ual purity? BrianD mentioned SI and Maxim, would those lead one down the road to purity? Being as Christ was as concerned with our thoughts as He was our actions I would be cautious of even those magazines or TV Guide half the time anymore.
bluefreak57 said
Eric,
I like Covenant Eyes I just downloaded X3watch and have it loaded. I am also looking at starting a google group with discussion topics and help pages for guys in my church. I would take your statement about being cautious even with the newspaper. I guess the trick (if you want to call it that) is too be so filled with the Holy Spirit and focused on Him that when it hits it doesn’t linger — around you finnnnnggggerrrr , sorry I had a cranberries flashback.
BrianD said
BlueFreak,
Thanks for the bloglove
I didn’t mention Maxim and the SI swimsuit issue as wholesome examples. I consider them pseudo-porn, or porn without the nudity, which I believe could ‘prep’ you for Playboy, which can lead to Penthouse, which can lead to…an unholy mess in your life.
Eric said
LOL, uggg, I love the Cranberries. Have to sneak it onto my Ipod, wife hates em. If you start a Google group and don’t mind outsiders I would love to participate. Also, if you are looking for online stuff for ministry we are using a Ventrilo server for Open Door. I use it as my bible study tool for those who are bedridden etc. Makes it easy for anyone with a computer to participate.
bluefreak57 said
Eric,
I am definitely starting the group and at first I am going to limit it to guys at my church, I don’t want anyone to not feel uncomfortable to discuss things. I would love to see it become more if that is what the Lord wants.
bluefreak57 said
BrianD,
You bring an interesting point. I wonder how many guys who are having an affair at the motel outside of town thought it would ever come to that from a few casual meetings at the watercooler. I think we can get arrogant and prideful and not realize the downward spiral we will find ourselves in when sin gets just a small foothold.
BrianD said
BlueFreak,
You nailed it.
I believe God wants to protect us from all sin, hence the Biblical admonitions that may seem over the top. But guys are great at rationalizing things away. They may see porn for what it is, or that affair, or one-night stand, for what they are, but the lucky ones never act out. Far too many guys, including ones God wanted to use in His kingdom, acted out and paid the price.
I don’t want to pay the price, because I want to walk in holiness.