Terry Rogers

It’s hard to stroll down Facebook lane or channel surf, without seeing something about the movie Magic Mike, or the book Fifty Shades Of Grey.

All of the “discussion” led me to take a few minutes, and share these thoughts…

First of all, let me make it clear that I’m not judging.  Only God can do that, and He will.

Will this offend?  Possibly, but please know that I’m an equal opportunity offender. 🙂  This book and movie may be geared toward the ladies, but this blog is written to ALL.  The same words I’m sharing now, I’ve spoken to myself,  the men of our church, and to previous generations  for years.

In times like this, I try not to share my opinion, but HIS.  So what does the Bible say?

• Sex & sexual desires are not sin.  However, they are designed uniquely for a husband and wife.  I don’t believe God was surprised when Adam & Eve, (in the words of my boy Marvin) got it on.  God has a beautiful plan for intimacy between a husband & wife.  That plan consists of words like, GOOD & OFTEN. 🙂  However, outside of His plan, it’s sin.   Jesus said in Matthew 5:27 & 28, Don’t go to bed with another’s spouse.  But don’t think you’ve preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed. Your heart can be corrupted BY LUST even quicker than your body. Those leering LOOKS you think nobody notices—THEY ALSO CORRUPT.

• We should avoid sexual temptation.  The Apostle Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 4:3,  For this is the WILL OF GOD, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality.  Sadly, we’ve allowed this world to shape our understanding of the words sexual immorality, and not the Bible.  Sexual immorality in this scripture, is the word porneia in the Greek.  This is where we get the English word pornography from.   Married or single, young or old, we need to avoid these things at all cost!  I’ve seen the damage that pornography can cause to individuals, couples, & families.  It’s devastating!  The enemy can & will use any opportunity that is given to him.

• HIS opinion matters. I’ve never been one that’s too concerned about what others think of me, and neither should you.  However, God’s opinion is a BIG DEAL to me, and it should be to you.  Paul goes on to say in verse 8 of 1 Thessalonians 4, he who rejects this does not reject man, BUT GOD, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

I understand these views are not popular to some.  I probably won’t have to start an extra Service at church this week, to seat the influx of new people.  Truth however, sets people free.  That is my heart.  Even more, it’s the heart of God.  In John Chapter 8, a woman that is bound in deep sexual sin, comes face to face with Jesus.  (We can’t see HIM, and not be changed!)  In the story, Jesus doesn’t condemn her.  He loves and forgives her, but He does tell her to stop sinning.

I’m so thankful for HIS GRACE.  I couldn’t live a day without it…  If we’re a Christian, our response to His grace is found in Romans 6:1&2. It says, so what do we do? Keep on sinning so God can keep on forgiving?  I should hope not!

I’m pretty sure that my blog won’t hurt the ticket sales of the movie release this weekend, and people will continue to stand in line for the book signing…

BUT, if it helps someone see THE TRUTH, it was worth my time.

The older I get, the more I find myself reflecting on some of the memories in my life.

• The day I accepted the Love of Jesus.
• The day I watched my beautiful bride walk down the aisle.
• The day my children came into my life.
• The list could go on for a while…

I have SO MUCH to be thankful for!

I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Romania, back in 2001.  I learned a lot on that trip…  It took me several years to realize, and process all the Lord showed me during that time.  So many times we get  focused on what’s right in front of us, that we forget there’s a big world out there that needs Jesus.

While in Romania, our team spent a couple of weeks putting on, “american style” youth camps for orphans.   We just showed them the love of Jesus, and watched lives change.

Over a decade later, thoughts still run through my mind about some of those kids (now adults).  I had one guy in my group, that had AIDS.  I still remember laying hands on him, and praying in faith for his healing.  I remember watching him get on the bus and leaving.  I prayed, God show him how amazing you are.  We had others in our group that had never met their parents.  I asked the Lord to show them the love of a Father.  I believe He did!  Are those that we introduced Jesus to that week, still following Him?  I hope they are experiencing the fullness of His grace.

I guess I want know to I get to heaven, what all HE did those two weeks…

One of the guys on our mission team put together a video of some of the memories we made that Summer.

I’ve laughed and cried, as I watched them. (Part 3 tore me up!)