Ask Father Paul... 1107

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Answers to your questions about life, religion and the Bible

Pastors get some of the darnedest, most interesting questions from people in their churches and people they meet. Here are a few that I’ve gotten over the years of my ministry and via email since this column started.

Dear Father Paul: My wife is upset with me because she found out that I’ve been looking at porno sites on the internet. I told her that it’s “natural” for men to want to look at pretty girls. What’s the big deal? Does the Bible say anything about pornography? Is it a sin?

— No Name

The word “pornography” is not in the Bible, per se. However, there are strong biblical principles that make pornography a very serious concern. And yes, pornography is a sin.

The word” pornography” comes from the Greek word “pornographos” and literally means “writing about harlots.” The term implies: to experience sex outside of marriage with the eyes. Men are sexually stimulated through their eyes (a natural part of their makeup) which makes the desire to look at pornography a huge temptation for lots of men. Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry throughout the world and is found in practically every culture. It has pervaded almost every aspect of our culture here in the U.S.A. to the point that “soft pornography” is now the accepted norm in many ads, publications and TV shows. The Internet is rife with porno sites, and a very large number of Americans (mostly men) are involved with pornography according to studies.

In all its many forms pornography appeals to the baser desires of man. It is designed to sexually excite. Such visual sexual excitement is forbidden by God. Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Adultery is one of God’s “Big Ten” Commandments so pornography is a big deal to God! Adultery begins in the eyes and the heart, before there is an overt act. That’s why pornography is so insidious.

The solution to pornography is simple. The Bible tells us to “flee (run from) fornication” I Corinthians 6:18. An alcoholic must avoid alcohol, and a morbidly obese person must avoid too much food ... it really is just that simple. In the same way a man prone to pornography must avoid pornography. In addition to avoidance, we must discipline our minds (yes, it is possible to discipline our minds) to think on good and wholesome things. The Apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” Pure thoughts can and will displace the impure.

Confess to God and your wife that you were wrong and ask both to forgive you. Leave porno garbage where it belongs, in the garbage can with all of the other garbage.

Dear Father Paul: I can’t seem to get any peace about a lot of things. I am very often angry, “on edge,” and I worry about a lot of things. I haven’t found peace in my church. Is it even possible to find true inner peace here on earth ... in this life?

— Kim

I have some wonderful good news for you Kim. It is possible to gain true peace, but you won’t find it in any church, denomination, religion, philosophy, etc. You won’t find it in people, or in “stuff” like a hot car, lots of money, a new house or a great job.

True peace emanates only from the Lord God and is in knowing that all of your sins are forgiven and that you are in a right relationship with Him ... and that you have eternal life with Him beginning now.

Peace (true peace ... not the world’s counterfeit peace) is found only through a relationship with God’s son, Jesus ...”The Prince of Peace” who himself said in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” We receive this only true, God-based peace by believing in, relying on and trusting the claims of Jesus as recorded in the Bible. Receive him and his peace today Kim.

Special Request: My precious wife, Dr. Judy Massey is presently on a three-week mission trip to the nation of Mongolia in Asia. She is scheduled to return home on Nov. 20. Would you please pray for her? Thanks.

Got a question? Email me at paulmassey@earthlink.net or phone 678-457-3050.

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