We often forget when we read the Psalms that these were written in a real time and a real place. That real time and real place was God’s Old Testament people of Israel that he had made a covenant with (which you can read more about here). They were an earthly nation chosen by God to shine his light to the rest of the world. Within this relationship, an agreement was made (the Mosaic Covenant or “old covenant”) where Israel was to obey God’s commands and if they did, their nation would prosper. But if they worshiped other gods (which they did often!), they would be under God’s judgment and the nation would falter. Most of the years of Israel that the Old Testament spans is of the faltering variety, not the prospering variety. In fact, with the exception of a very brief window of time (David and Solomon’s reign), Israel got its rear end repeatedly kicked by the neighboring nations and the regional superpowers. It’s important to keep this context in mind when we read the Psalms, especially one like Psalm 2.
I Treated Sex Like a Vending Machine: Pastor Noah’s Story (Part 2)
When I got married on June 19, 2004, I thought my sexual purity problems were in the rearview mirror for good.
I had been porn-free for over two years, was leading sexual purity small groups, and had regular accountability. I was also reading Christian sexual purity books that told me if I starved my eyes from lustful looks and images, there would be a “sexual payoff” in my marriage. My wife and I were both virgins when we got married, and I was ready for this payoff.
How Mercy Unfolds, by Guest Author Daniel Arnold
Guest author Daniel Arnold shares of his experiences at The Outreach (of the City Rescue Mission of Lansing), including interviews with other clients and how you can help!
Marriage is Not the Answer to Your Desire for Sex
It’s a line often heard in well-intentioned lessons on sexual purity:God created sex. It’s His. Pornography and premarital sex are just distortions of what God made that is good: sex within marriage. Those sexual desires you feel are good, you just need to channel them into marriage. (Or as often said, “toward your wife.”) All of the above is true and I have taught most of it myself in bits and pieces. But there are some major shortfalls to this type of teaching and mindset.
Join me for a 6-week virtual small group through Beyond the Battle
Virtual Coaching Groups I am partnering with Covenant Eyes to lead 6-week men’s virtual small groups through my Beyond the Battle small group curriculum. These are video conference room groups (like what’s pictured) where you will participate from the comfort of your own home or office. Sign up early as groups are capped at 10 […]
Small Group Videos for “Beyond the Battle: A man’s guide to his identity in Christ in an oversexualized world”
The online videos below are free to view. Visit www.beyondthebattle.net to purchase a small group Leader Guide. Small group video instructions: Play the video with your men’s small group at the beginning of your group time Go through the group discussion questions found in Appendix A of Beyond the Battle. There will be questions about […]