Today’s post is from PJ Wong, a youth pastor in Waterloo…he’s a good friend and a great writer…thanks PJ!

One of history’s characters that ways amuses me is Samson. We know this guy as a big tough guy who stayed away from alcohol and grew out dread and a beard and decided not to touch any dead bodies. If Samson were alive today, he’d look like this:

Although mighty in speech and deed, Samson did have one downfall—women. Samson loved his girls; especially those of foreign taste. Philistine women to Samson were kryptonite. The Bible gives a brilliant picture of Samson and how the Spirit of the Lord would continually fall on Samson to give him victory over the Philistines, but the first words out of his mouth destroy his credibility as a leader and judge of Israel: “I have seen a woman”.

From there, we know that Samson is doomed. Although he does many great things in the power of the Lord, he continues to fall into sin as glimpse dwells on thought, thought turns to touch and touch forms into a habit. Throughout what is recorded about this Nazarite (a person set apart for the work of YHWH), we observe Samson’s morality fall lower and lower.

Nearing the end of his life, he romances woman named Delilah (this is after his first wife is burned to death and after indulging in a slew of prostitutes). Knowing that the Philistine woman will bring trouble, Samson continues to stay in her company. Three times Samson obviously finds out that this woman is bad news as she tries to hand him over to the Philistines. But something is driving Samson to Delilah—and no, although it beating with blood, it’s got nothing to do with what is in his chest or skull.

Philistine attempt #4—Great Success…

Delilah and the Philistines subdue Samson by removing his deadlocks. The Nazarite is then taken away, made a spectacle of and then ultimately in one push ends up killing himself with the enemies which had captured and provoked him.

What can we learn from this foolish young man?

1. If you think you’re strong enough to beat pornography, sexual fantasy and sneak peeks at woman walking down the street on your own, think again. Single, married or engaged, this is going to be something you’ll have to fight against. Samson was set apart by God and still fell into temptation. Although his wishes to marry were of the Lord’s work, his first words are a give away of the trouble he was going to get into: “I’ve seen a woman”. Do yourself a favour: talk to a friend, get accountability, internet software, heck… even fess up to the boys at your church or youth group… just don’t admit in front of both the guys and girls… those always end up getting really awkward.

2. Although you may not be sleeping with prostitutes 3 times a week, internet porn is less expensive and easier to access—and it still doesn’t mean you’re not whoring yourself out to somebody else in the process. In today’s world, many young men who are set apart by God are trapped in a secret life where they flirt with danger, knowing the consequences but still choose to go deeper and deeper into a lifestyle that takes control of them. If you don’t believe me, try going a month without masturbating and looking at porn. I dare you!

3. God gives us a ton of warnings and lets us off easy… a lot… But by continuing to go this way, you’re only setting yourself up for disaster. 3 times, Samson has the choice to walk away from Delilah. She even blatantly asks how he can be subdued by his enemies! How stupid do you have to be?

Ironically, the first thing that the Philistines do when they have Samson: gouge out the eyes of the perverted sod! He’s seen and done enough for his day!

But how many times has God smacked you over the head saying “this is going to mess you up!”? Eventually, your sins will find you out. In the words of the late Johnny Cash “sooner or later God’ll cut you down”. But for now, He’s hoping it wont get that far. It’s your choice…

It’s up to you. Are you going to walk away from internet porn and sexual fantasy?

Or are you going to keep looking, flirting and rolling in the mess you’ve made until something or someone cuts you down?

Are you going to be a pansy and fall into a trap that will hold you well into your old age?

Or will you fess up and do what it takes to stop in order to save yourself from ruining your life?

(trust me, a 40 year old addicted to porn will tell you that it is ruining his marriage and if the secret gets out, will ruin his personal and work life)

I challenge you to be a true Nazarite—set apart for God’s work, choosing to keep yourself away from what is going to take you out!

Keep it fresh and clean!

-PJ

Last week I had a conversation with a dude that absolutely broke my heart.  I felt sick to my stomach and could barely sleep.  The only upside was that it kept me in prayer for him all day.  I was seriously spriritually depressed afterwards.  Just broken for a friend who’s being blinded by something that looks like ‘love.’  I even had a dream about him last week and warned him that an opportunity to fall would be coming up in the next few weeks.

Here’s the scenario that I need your advice on…

I have a friend who met a girl less than two weeks ago.

He’s already kissed her.

They hang out exclusively… zero community.

He’s not willing to commit to date towards marriage, because ‘marriage is a long time’ (But he’s willing to kiss another man’s future wife, no problem)

I asked him if he has any boundaries.  “What do you mean?” You know exactly what I mean- physical boundaries.

“Well I’m not going to have sex before marriage.” And???  “What else do you want me to say?”

Bear in mind this is a dude who calls himself a follower of Jesus.

I asked him, “okay, if I was her brother (I am in Christ) and Jesus was standing here (He was in Spirit), should I be concerned?  Should I be warning her about you?” He said no…he’s not worried.

I know I can’t change his mind, I’m not the Saviour.  What advice would you give this guy?

Sincerely,

A Dazed and Confused Jay Brock

Does anyone else LOVE Gold Bond?!

I remember the first time I used this wonderful powder.  I was at Joy Bible Camp up in Bancroft, and two dudes in my cabin named Darcy and Tim told me I had to try it.

This is how they described it- “It’s like a million tiny angels blowing on your testicles.“  Theirs words, not mine!  Of course, how could I resist such a heavenly offer?

Sure enough, it was true to their word and didn’t let me down for a minute.  I swear by the stuff.  It saved me from some serious chaffing when I was in Honduras.  It keeps me dry and comfortable on hot summer days.

But it no longer feels as good as it did the first time.  No more tiny angels.  No more tingles.  No more cooling sensation.  I had become desensitized.

I remember the first time I ever saw porn on TV.  It was while babysitting.  The kid had gone to bed and I was watching the NBA All-Star Game.  The feed suddenly switched to Playboy somehow.

I remember feeling so guilty. I remember looking out the window every two minutes.  I remember it tore me apart with guilt for weeks after.

But then something happened- the more I looked at porn, the less guilt I felt.  The more I become okay with it. Accustomed to it.  Okay with it.  I had become desensitized.

It’s called ‘the dulling of the Spirit.‘  If we choose to live in sin, we’re purposely ignoring what God is trying to say to us.  It breaks His heart.  It ruins your life.  Don’t desensitize yourself to the Spirit of God.

Live a life in close connection with God.  Choose to be a man who conquers his addictions by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Be a man who walks with Jesus.

I just laid down a hard line on the girls regarding strip clubs and dance clubs- pray for me, because I’m expecting a storm!

Some people are just plain dumb eh?!

Okay dudes- why do we always have to be right?  Why can’t we admit that we are wrong.

Seriously, I HATE being wrong.  Sometimes I’ll keep fighting until they give up.  Or until they get mad.  Or make a mistake.  It does my friendships no good.  But I still do it.  It’s awful.  Like really- who cares anyway?!  Is it really that big of a deal to be wrong?!

To guys, it does.  Because it’s based on some wrong assumptions that we’ve chosen to believe:

Being wrong means being inferior.  Being incorrect means we lose.

Change how you see right and wrong. Realize that ALL of us are a little bit of both!  We’ve all screwed up and sinned (John 8:7, Romans 3:23)  Like High School Musical, we’re all in this together.  If everyone thinks they are right, then no one will ever get along, and we’re just deceiving ourselves.  Realize that when we can admit fault, people actually respect us MORE … God can begin to heal our lives! (James 5:16)

It’s okay to be wrong, as long as you admit it.

Because that’s where the grace is.

So here’s my challenge for this weekend: at least twice this weekend, say to someone you love- “I am wrong.  You are right.  I am sorry.  Will you forgive me?”   Watch their expression.  Feel the weight lift off your chest.  It’s quite freeing actually.

If we all chose to humbly admit our mistakes and misunderstandings, the world would be wayyy better.  Churches could thrive, families could grow, careers could flourish, relationships could be so loving, and we’d all be walking in the freedom of knowing that we have nothing to hide.

As usual, God’s wisdom totally trumps the world’s “how-to”!

Walk in Him this weekend brothers,
Jay

Early next week I will introduce you to the first of a few cool dudes who will be contributing regularly to The Sex Rev.  I am excited to hear what you will be learning, discussing, and sharing to others.

Can I ask you for a favour?  Over the weekend, I’m going to be working on a sort of ‘manifesto’ for the Sex Rev.  I would love it if you would send me your thoughts on what should be included in a
belief/vision/mission statement on guys, girls, sex, and God.