TOPIC: KEEP YOUR HEART PURE

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📖 TODAY'S TEXT:

1 John 2:15-17

🔑 KEY VERSE:

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Mt.5:8).

🖊️ COMMENTARY

Studies by the Barna Group and Covenant Eyes in the United States have revealed that over 40 million Americans are regular visitors to pornographic websites where they watch videos or pictures of naked men and women. An average visit is said to last between 29 seconds and 6 minutes. But more alarming at a global level is that there are around 42 million pornographic websites, which totals about 370 million pages of pornography for people to feast their eyes on.

The studies, extracts of which were published in an article by Luke Gibbons in Prophesy News watch Magazine also disclosed that pornography increases marital infidelity rate by more than 300% and that 68% of church-going men and over 50% of pastors view pornography on a regular basis.

You may say, "Wow! This is happening in America?" But, the truth is that although the numbers are not available in Nigeria, the trend is not too different across the world. Pornography is designed by the devil to poison, pollute and destroy the minds of millions of people. It is addictive (1 Cor. 6:12; 2 Peter. 2:19) and destructive (Prov.6:25-28; Ezekiel. 20:30; Eph. 4:19). Lusting after other people in our minds, which is the essence of pornography, is offensive to God.
Furthermore, studies have shown that the effects of pornography are not limited to individuals alone. It also has a negative impact on relationships and society as a whole. Research has revealed that pornography consumption is linked to an increase in sexual aggression towards women and a decrease in empathy towards victims of sexual violence.

Moreover, it can lead to a distorted view of sex and intimacy, resulting in unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction with real-life sexual experiences. Therefore, it is essential to raise awareness about the dangers of pornography and provide support for those struggling with addiction to overcome this destructive habit.

The good news is that addiction to pornography can be overcome. The first step is to acknowledge the problem and seek help from a trusted friend, family member, or professional counselor. There are also support groups and online resources available for those struggling with addiction.

In addition, parents can play a crucial role in preventing their children from being exposed to pornography. They can use parental controls on electronic devices and teach their children about healthy sexuality and the dangers of pornography.

Finally, as Christians, we must remember that God has called us to purity and holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). We must flee from sexual immorality and resist the devil's attempts to lure us into sin (James 4:7). By God's grace and with the help of our community, we can overcome this destructive habit and live a life pleasing to Him.
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📜 ONE YEAR BIBLE STUDY PLAN: 1 Samuel 25-27

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🎚 CONTROLLING THOUGHTS

Don't allow your eyes to lead you to hell fire.

🙏🏿 PRAYER

Give me strength, O Lord, to resist the lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh so that I don't make myself an enemy and a stranger to You in Jesus' name.

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An exclusive production of General Council Assemblies of God Nigeria.