“…for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What […]
The Bible, Not a Self-Help Book
We cannot use the Bible as a divine self-help book! We will always try to use it to get the things our hearts are set on, though this is precisely the bondage that sabotages our relationships. The Redeemer lived, died, and rose again so that we would no longer live for ourselves but for him […]
Effects of Sexual Assault
Sexual assault causes harmful emotional, psychological, and/or physiological effects that are more severe than the effects of other crimes. These effects include: shame, self-blame, guild, embarrassment, anxiety, stress, fear, anger, confusion, sexualized behaviors, loss of sex drive, interpersonal problems, denial, irritability, depression, despair, social withdrawal, numbing/apathy (detachment, loss of caring), chronic and acute somatizing (experiencing […]
One Another Verse #4
…so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (Romans 12:5)
Not Simply an Event That Happened
Sexual assault is not simply an event that happened to you, ended, and now is over. It can have an impact on every aspect of your life—you faith, your daily attitudes and emotions, your self-image, your relationships, and your sexuality. These are not just past issues but remain very real and current. Regardless of how long ago the assault took […]
The Rain of the Word Penetrates
…a truly effective ministry of the Word must confront our self-focus and self-absorption at its roots, opening us up to the vastness of a God-defined, God-centered world. Unless this happens, we will use the promises, principles, and commands of the Word to serve the thing we really love: ourselves. This may be why many people read and […]
One Another Verse #3
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10)
Prevalence and Damage
At least one in four women and one in six men currently are or will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetimes. The only thing more staggering that the prevalence of abuse is the acute damage done to the victims. This damage can stem from, but is not limited to, the denial of their […]
Truth Wrapped in Love
Personal ministry is about people loving people, but in a way that includes bringing them God’s Word. This is the “truth in love” model Paul describes in Ephesians 4. The combination of powerful truth wrapped in self-sacrificing love is what God uses to transform people. Tripp, Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands, p. 21.