ACTION – WHERE BELIEF AND FAITH CONNECT

The first article in this series talked about the need to develop an awareness of the problem of pornography or lust, both as a church body as well as individually. The second article talked about the importance of accepting there is a problem if wanting to be free of lusts power.

This article looks at the importance of taking necessary action to overcome lust addiction, explores practical ways to do this, and highlights the challenges. Read the rest of this entry »

ACCEPTANCE – AN ANTIDOTE FOR DENIAL

Part one of this series talked about the importance of the church developing an awareness of the seriousness of the problem of pornography or lust addiction, the powerlessness that people experience when in its grip, and the need for God’s power in order to progressively overcome it.

This article looks at the need to accept a problem exists if a person wants to overcome it, something few seem willing to do. Read the rest of this entry »

Did you realise that teaching your child to tie their shoelaces is a part of preparing them to leave home as a capable adult? Childhood is also a time when values are adopted and life’s boundaries are set. Drs Ian & Helene Richardson discuss how so much of who we become as adults is founded in our childhood.

This is Ian & Helene’s “Teaching Your Child Discernment” radio interview with Family Life Australia.

Ian & Helene Richardson’s “Strong Willed Child” interview, with Family Life Australia.

Ian & Helene Richardson’s “Communicating with your teenager” radio interview with Family Life Australia.

Pornography is having a huge negative impact on our society due to its accessibility and being somewhat normalised in our culture.

While pornography’s effects on the individual viewing and acting out to the material are enormous, a person’s pornography use also impacts their spouse, family and friends.

Scott Morgan discusses how pornography effects relationships and offers hope to those effected by pornography.

This is Scott Morgan’s “The Effects of Pornography On Relationships” radio interview with Family Life Australia.

Part 1 of a 5 part series with FamilyLife Australia.

“Did you realise that teaching your child to tie their shoelaces is a part of preparing them to leave home as a capable adult? Childhood is also a time when values are adopted and life’s boundaries are set. Drs Ian & Helene Richardson discuss how so much of who we become as adults is founded in our childhood.”

Part 2 coming soon.

AWARENESS – LUST, A HIDDEN PANDEMIC

By the time a person reaches 21 years of age, Barna’s research estimates they will have viewed more than 2,000 hours, on average, of pornographic images that reduce the dignity and value of human life. (Barna, 2010, Media Exposure, Addiction). There is no distinction between Christian and non-Christian, except that it is something Christians are loathed to admit.
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MATCHING CALL WITH MINISTRY: IS THIS WHERE I BELONG?

As the saying goes, it is easier to appoint someone than fire them! Not only is this so in the commercial world, but also in Christian service.

Many years of Christian leadership have taught the dangers of appointing wrong people to positions, either staff or voluntary.

The measure of a Christian minister is not how well they preach, teach, evangelize, demonstrate faith, etc., but how much they reflect the nature and character of God; how much others are changed into His likeness as a result of the ministry. Jesus said, “By their fruits you shall know them” (Matt 7:16). Many ministry problems would be avoided by giving more attention to identifying past “fruit” rather than present ability, charisma, or even perceived calling.
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