The Lusts Of The Flesh

1st Peter 2:11, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”

There is an interesting passage from the Apocrypha which addresses the matter of sexual lust. The 53 King James Bible translators included the Apocrypha (placing it between the Old and New Testament because they recognized the value of its historical data) although they rejected the manuscripts as being inspired by God. The Apocrypha is NOT God's Word, but the following passage I thought was worthy of our consideration...

4) Use not much the company of a woman that is a singer, lest thou be taken with her attempts.
5) Gaze not on a maid, that thou fall not by those things that are precious in her.
6) Give not thy soul unto harlots, that thou lose not thine inheritance.
7) Look not round about thee in the streets of the city, neither wander thou in the solitary place thereof.
8) Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman, and look not upon another's beauty; for many have been deceived by the beauty of a woman; for herewith love is kindled as a fire.

Beauty is deceiving! You cannot be caught up into the way that female celebrities look, because it's all deliberate deception. Literally, sex appeal (lust) is used as a form of mind-control to mesmerize, paralyze and control their audience. A lot of these people have had nose jobs, lip jobs, butt jobs, breast jobs, hair extension, fake eye lashes and all kinds of stuff in order to create this perfect image, AN IDOL, for you to worship!

An average American child will see 200,000 violent acts and 16,000 murders on TV by the age of 18. There is no doubt of the detrimental, perverse and demonic influence which television has had on America's youth...

Kids get lots of information about sexuality from television:

Most parents don't talk to their kids about sex and relationships, birth control and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Most schools do not offer complete sex education programs. So kids get much of their information about sex from TV.

Kids are probably not learning what their parents would like them to learn about sex from TV.

Sexual content is a real presence on TV. Soap operas, music videos, prime time shows and advertisements all contain lots of sexual content, but usually nothing about contraception or safer sex.

The number of sex scenes on TV has nearly doubled since 1998, with 70% of the top 20 most-watched shows by teens including sexual content [53]. Fifteen percent of scenes with sexual intercourse depict characters that have just met having sex. Of the shows with sexual content, an average of five scenes per hour involves sex.

Watching sex on TV increases the chances a teen will have sex, and may cause teens to start having sex at younger ages. Even viewing shows with characters talking about sex increases the likelihood of sexual initiation [54]. (Read more about this study.)

Watching sexual content on TV is linked to becoming pregnant or being responsible for a pregnancy.

Researchers found that even after controlling for other risk factors, the chance of teen pregnancy went up with more exposure to sex on television [55].

On the flip side, TV has the potential to both educate teens, and foster discussion with parents. Watch with your kids, and use the sexual content on TV as a jumping-off point to talk with your teen about sex, responsible behavior and safety.

To find out more, read:

The American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) Parent Page on Sex, the Media and Your Child
The AAP' s policy statement on Sexuality, Contraception and the Media

SOURCE: Television (TV) and Children: Your Child: University of Michigan Health System

Children and teens gravitate toward the garbage aired on television...

ABC's Desperate Housewives is the most popular broadcast-network television show with kids aged 9-12 according to Nielsen stats. It airs at 10/9. (Jan. 05)

SOURCE: Sex, Violence, and Profanity in the Media Fact Sheet, TV Statistics - Parents Television Council

Did you notice the preceding statistics from the University Of Michigan, which reveals that the number of sex scenes shown on TV has DOUBLED since 1998? Will it double over the next 15 years too? No wonder sex crimes are soaring in occurrence in our nation. America is exponentially becoming a cesspool of filth and iniquity. If it gets much worse, we'll have to move to Soviet Russia to find a nice place to live. Honestly, Sodom in comparison to the United States seems like a nice place to live. The only remaining decent places to live are in the smaller towns across America of 7,000 residents or less. Any sizable city is a drug-infested, police state, hellhole. But no matter where you live, the television will pump the sewage right into your home if you want it.

Also, the internet is one of the most dangerous places to hang out these days. Be careful where you go. Choose your cyberspace activity carefully and be wary of the epidemic of filth on the web. If you have struggles with lust, perhaps you shouldn't have the internet or a TV. Jesus said it was better to cut off your limbs than to go to Hell, and He wasn't kidding (Matthew 5:29). The Lord wasn't saying that a person has to cease from sinful bad habits to be saved; but rather, that it is love for sin that prevents men from coming to the Lord to be saved...

John 3:19-20, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”

Is it too much for the Lord to ask us to get rid of the television and internet if they're keeping us from serving God and living righteously as Christians? I think not. Music videos in particular are saturated with lewd teen girls and Godless filth. It's not just the love of money behind the barrage of sexual suggestivity in media, commercials and music videos; but also a satanic agenda by the New World Order occultists to overthrow the United States. If that seems too far out for you to believe, then THE TRUTH MAY SCARE YOU!

Memorization Scriptures To Help Overcome Addictions

Our text verse from 1st Peter 2:11 in the holy Bible warns about, “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” I recently heard a crime psychologist on television say that a certain amount of sexual lust is healthy. The Bible disagrees with that assumption. The only healthy lust is in the boundaries of a lifetime marriage commitment, and between one husband and one wife. But even within a heterosexual (normal) marriage relationship, lust can become a problem if not kept in check by practicing some restraint. Husbands and wives should agree to times set apart for prayer and fasting from sex as the Bible teaches, but not too long to avoid temptation. 1st Corinthians 7:5, “Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” This is healthy for a marriage relationship and the human body.

One week apart is not going to kill anyone without sex. Health experts recommend one year without sex to cure sex-addicts. Could you go for a whole year without sex? Sure you can, if you subdue the body as God commands in Colossians 3:5-8...

Colossians 3:5-8, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”

The more sex the body gets, the more it wants, because of active hormones. If a man can go several weeks without sex, his body adjusts to the change and his appetites are suppressed. By immediately captivating lustful thoughts and bringing them into submission to the Lord Jesus Christ, lust can be conquered. It's important for any person battling lust and addiction to memorize several key passages of Scriptures dealing with temptation and lust.

Here are some important Scripture passages to commit to memory for overcoming addictions...

Psalms 119:9, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
Job 23:12, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.”
Psalms 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
1st Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
James 1:12-15, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
1st Peter 2:11, “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”
Job 13:23, “How many are mine iniquities and sins? make me to know my transgression and my sin.”
2nd Corinthians 10:5, “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”
Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
1st John 2:15-17, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Romans 8:37, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

These are some excellent Bible passages to memorize, which will be your best friends during moments of temptation and testing. The Word of God is the believer's spiritual health, life and sword against all evil. Every believer has three enemies: the world, the flesh and the Devil. You'll never go wrong with siding with the Bible my friend. I am as narrow-minded as the Bible! Amen! I wouldn't have it any other way. Some skeptics say, “You're brainwashed!” Yes, brainwashing by consent! Amen and amen!

Addictions are formed by lack of restraint, no set limits, unrestrained feeding of the appetites. It's ok for spontaneous romance in marriage (Hebrews 13:4), but a person who needs sex every day may be out of control and likely headed for sexual immorality. Most people who become addicted (whether it be alcohol, prescription drugs, sex or whatever) didn't realize that they were becoming addicted until it was too late and their life spun out of control. That's the sinister nature of addictions. Anyone can become addicted to many things in life. Anything that is an appetite can become an addiction. The love of money can become an addiction. Even work can become an addiction. It's been said that hard work never killed anyone. Actually, it sure has! When people become overworked they lose sight of safety and oftentimes end up in an accident at work or on the road.

Here's an awesome Bible verse that I read today. This is something good to become addicted to...

1st Corinthians 16:15, “...they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.”

Isn't that beautiful? They were addicted to the ministry (serving) of the saints. Every Christian believer should look for ways to help other believers, especially those who labour in the word and doctrine the Bible says (1st Timothy 5:17). It is every believer's duty, not only to reach the lost with the gospel, but also to edify fellow saints in every way that we can. All we have is each other!

Titus 2:11-14, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

The word zealous literally means “FANATIC” in the original Greek language. Hence, God redeemed us with the intention that we would one day become FANATICAL OF GOOD WORKS! The wicked world is fanatical about evil, sin and wrong doing; but God desires for every believer to get excited and become zealous of good works. Of course, this has nothing to do with getting saved, which is the gift of God (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9 - King James Bible). Eternal life is a gift from God to those who believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-31; Galatians 3:26; Titus 3:5).

Temptation Will Come, But Be Strong In The Lord

Albeit, life is too short to live with a burden of hatred. I overcome evil with good as the Bible teaches. Romans 12:21, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” When others gossip, praise! When others steal, restore! When other curse, bless! When others lust, show respect.

I used to work with a Hispanic woman in her late twenties who was attractive. Some of the maintenance men continually flirted with her, walking all over her with their eyes. Instead, as a Christian I treated her with respect, never ogling or staring at her with an appetizing look (every woman knows the look). It is very important that Christian men and women alike be very careful regarding eye contact (especially you ladies). One improper look can stir a man's emotions and lusts like you couldn't imagine. Without saying a word, the eyes can speak volumes!

Another woman had been sleeping with mangers and men at the company (typical in nearly every workplace these days). Evil always seeks innocence. Since I wasn't interested she targeted me. Ironically, she wore a ring with a coffin on it. One day she came to me and asked if I could repair her broken coffin. I don't condemn anyone, for I am a sinner too, so of course I gladly said I'd see what I could do to fix it. I always try to express God's unconditional love for others. I had a jeweler's screwdriver-set and repaired her coffin for her. She gave me an inviting look and said, “Stewy, I'll do anything you want for fixing this for me.” I declined her advances. Hebrews 4:15 teaches that Christ was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” May we all endure temptation and live upright by praying (Luke 22:40), hiding God's Word in our heart (Psalms 119:11) and “bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2nd Corinthians 10:5). Amen and amen!

You Can Become Addicted To Nearly Anything, But Jesus Is The Cure!

There are also different types of addictions: biological (sex), chemical (dope), psychological (lying) or habit (gambling). You can become addicted to just about anything—gambling, lying, lusting, booze, dope, stealing, hurting yourself bodily, the stock market, you name it! You know that you are addicted when you start behaving irrationally and are willing to do things that are wrong to feed your addition.

For example: If you find yourself borrowing massive amounts of money on margin to throw into the stock market, that's a strong indicator that your definitely addicted to the love of money. If you must have sex every day, then you're likely addicted to sex. If you find yourself lying about everything compulsively, you're definitely addicted to lying. If you are willing to take foolish risks gambling, then you are absolutely addicted to gambling. The best safeguard against addictions is to avoid things like alcohol, premarital sex, Las Vegas gambling casinos, illegal drugs, et cetera.

Concerning prescription drugs, many people become addicted because they sincerely didn't understand and realize the nature and potency of the drugs they were prescribed. I've learned that no doctor has taken all of the drugs which he or she prescribes. So in reality, most doctors have no idea of the side-effects and reactions caused by taking multiple drugs together. My family doctor prescribed to me Ambien, Lyrica and Oxycontin; but taking all three at once caused me to have mind blackouts and become paralyzed for a few hours (which is exactly how singer Whitney Houston accidentally drowned in her bathtub). When you blackout, you lose control over your motor skills and cannot control your body, so you just sleep standing up (like I have many times) or sink into your bath water and drown (never take medications with a bath). And God forbid if you drink alcohol along with prescription drugs, which is likely what Whitney Houston did. Even the smallest amount of alcohol can become deadly when mixed with prescription meds. I thank God that I've never drank a drop of alcohol (and never plan to either). It's liquid devil!

Some people are addicted to internet gaming, spending way too much time playing Role Playing Games (RPG) that replace their real human life. I heard a young man say that on the internet in his RPG he's a powerful king with subjects, a family, friends and a life; but in reality he has nothing to live for and feels like a big loser. He is happy and content in his fantasy online world, but is horribly depressed and even has had thoughts of suicide when he comes back to reality and sees the American public. So he lives on the internet in his fictitious world, where other online members honor him and serve him as their king. Truth is stranger than fiction!!!

The story is told of Mel Trotter (1870-1940), who was so addicted to alcohol that he sold his own shoes from off his feet to buy more booze. Drunk, broke and shoeless, Mel Trotter at 27 years of age stumbled out of the snow into the Pacific Garden Mission in 1897. Mel repented of his unbelief and believed the gospel, becoming a born-again Christian. That's what addiction does to a man, stealing his very soul! Truly the thief (the Devil) comes only to steal, kill and destroy as Jesus warned in John 10:9. Rarely do people seek help or deal with their addictions until it's too late. Most people won't admit that they have an addiction problem until they hurt them self or someone else. Oftentimes alcohol addiction doesn't become a problem until someone ends up in court, charged with a DUI or DWI.

Alcohol often leads to an addiction of demonic bondage. I've seen men drink vanilla extract from the garbage, anything containing alcohol, just to get more alcohol. Some men will even drink paint thinner and other harmful substances to get high. They'll sniff glue any any similar vapor to get a high.

I once saw two teenage boys spraying paint into a paperbag and then snorting it. The older boy had white paint running out his nostrils. They stopped when me and my soul-winning partner from our church bus-route came into the yard. We tried to talk some sense into them, but Satan had a stronghold in their lives. If people want to harm themselves, sad to say, there's no way to stop them. The Devil influences people, especially teens, to do crazy things.

Addiction is very common, because we live in a reckless society of impulsive stimuli. Beer adds and taverns are everywhere. Nearly every restaurant serves alcohol, which by very definition is a Schedule I narcotic. Schedule II drugs (like Oxycontin and Percocet) are classified as such because they are high risk for addiction drugs, but they serve a medical purpose. Schedule I narcotic are drugs that are highly addictive in nature (HIGH RISK), but are non-medicinal in nature (like booze used only for social drinking and recreation).

Schedule I narcotics include illegal street drugs like heroine, crack cocaine and pot. Thus, alcohol ought to be banned!!! It's no different than having an Oxycontin party or handing around Klonopin or Zanex to get high for fun. That's what beer-drinkers do, they drink alcohol (a schedule I narcotic drug) to have fun. What is wrong with our culture in America? It's the love of money. So while the booze cartel gets richer, and the lawyers get richer, and the judges get richer... more innocent children and victims are going to end up dead at the whim of some drunk driver, who rarely get more than 5-years in prison for murdering multiple victims.

People can be imprisoned by addictions many different ways today without being in a state penitentiary. People can be imprisoned by bitterness, unforgiveness, guilt, a desire for revenge, lust, anger, greed et cetera. The list goes on! Jesus said that when we are filled with the Holy Spirit we will display the fruit (singular) of the Spirit in our lives. Fruit like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. The word fruit is singular Jesus said in Galatians 5:22, 23 against these things there is no law.

The Bible warns that human wisdom and carnal understanding leads to perverted thinking...

Isaiah 47:10, “For thou hast trusted in thy wickedness: thou hast said, None seeth me. Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee; and thou hast said in thine heart, I am, and none else beside me.”

God is a lot wiser than man! I am amazed how many people arrogantly glance through the Bible and then decide they know more about running the universe than God. Little twerps who've never run a hotdog-stand or built a chicken-coup think they know more about life, the soul and the universe than the almighty God Who made them all. Go figure!

Godless university-indoctrinated youth who were wearing diapers just 15-20 years ago, now shake their fists at Heaven, challenging the almighty God of the universe Who created them. Also, going to religious seminary can be a dangerous thing if you don't have your beliefs settled prior to being messed with. Young people are leaving our so-called “higher learning institutions,” dumber than a box of rocks, completely devoid of faith in the God of the Bible, idiots with a degree, educated beyond their character. When you think about it, it's funny, in a respectful way to God. Think about it! College graduates and teens who couldn't even wipe their own behind or feed themselves 15, 20, 25 years ago, now think they know more than the God of the universe. No, you don't! The Bible teaches the truth in Romans 1:20-21...

Romans 1:20-21, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”

Our schools are full of punks, twerps and arrogant spoiled brats. They all need Jesus! Oh my friend, life is so short, like a vapor of steam that appears for a moment and then it vanishes forever. I saw the Rock band Styx in the news last week, performing a recent concert. They're getting old! The pride of life, and the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, will all fade away with this wicked world (1st John 2:15-17). I'm so glad that I am labouring for works that are eternal, building upon the solid foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (1st Corinthians 3:11).