Volume 1 Issue 1: Purity by SALTY Magazine

Volume 1 Issue 1

THE FIGHT FOR PURITY

Volume 1 Issue 1

CONTENTS SEASONED COMMENTARY 8

Justice Commentary Justice Without Jesus Is Only Partial Liberation from JonLash.com

Music Review Chris Lee/ The Medicine from IMadeiNTruth.com

Fashion Feature O Modesty from JesusCouture.com

12 Relationship Advocacy Should I Be Single? from YourHeartShape.com 20

Jesus Challenge Lust, Lotion, Love from WithoutJesusISuck.com

IN EACH ISSUE

Abstinence: One Size Fits All by Suzanne Delica

Interview Highlight Butta P from Rhema Soul by Marsha Saintvil

In Living Color Flesh Vs. Spirit by Maxi Petion Photography

SALTY Internet Finds Strategies for Fighting Lust, etc..

Fighting Tales My Rescue from Sex Addiction by Morgan McCoy

SALTY Nugget Purity, A Person Not A Process by Ben Billman

MEATY FEATURES 21

Abstinence: One Size Fits All by Suzanne Delica

COMING SOON

Volume 1 Issue 1

The Fight For Purity WHY PURITY? Because slapping a condom on impurity does not make it an improvement. Because time has proven that we are not wiser than God, and are a generation in need of redemption. Because nothing else will ever satisfy for only purity leads to the ultimate prize: “blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

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SALTY is a publication of Unconventional Media.

CONTRIBUTORS

You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor... it is no longer good for anything. - Matt 5:13

Writers: Suzanne Delica, Marsha Saintvil, Ben Billman Columns: JonLash.com, ImadeiNTruth.com, JesusCouture.com, YourHeartShape.com, JesusCouture.com, WithoutJesusISuck.com Photographers: Maxi Petion, LMDesign.com, Green Flamingo Photography (cover) Role Models: Nate Coker, Cynthia Lopez, Morgan McCoy, Sheena Ramos Design: Karthik R. (layout), Inspiks.com (graphic picks), Philip C. Davis

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Editor’s Prayer

Volume 1 Issue 1

Lord, help us. As a generation, we now realize whether in the church or out of it, that purity is NOT a list of dos and don’ts we can make ourselves (or others) live by. We can never clean ourselves up. We can never keep ourselves clean. We are not good enough. We are a filthy people with filthy lips, amongst a society of filthy desires; forgive us for ever thinking otherwise. While working on this issue, I was brought back to struggles I thought were once “below me”: lust, gossip, pornography, lying, loneliness – and I thank You. I am again gratefully reminded that my purity is not sourced by my self-righteousness, but by the only One who is Righteous. What freedom! Impurity is a leprous disease that can never be behavior modified, but is a heart issue that can only be uprooted by one prayer: “Lord, if you are willing, make me clean.” I pray all whom read this issue, saved or unsaved, will be humbled to again cry this from their heart; discovering that purity is not an outdated term or a girly virtue, but the pursuit of any whom desire to see You (Matthew 5:8). And like the leper in Mark 1:41, may we hear You say with compassion and power: “I am willing. Be clean.” Your daughter, Robyn-Ann

Justice

JUSTICE WITHOUT JESUS IS ONLY

PARTIAL LIBERATION By Jon Lash

About the Author

’ve been thinking a lot about this recently. Being a follower of Jesus with a passion for social justice, I constantly find myself caught between two tensions. On one hand, we have what I would call the “Old School” mentality - the “just preach the gospel and bless God, if they’re starving at least they’ll be promoted to Glory soon” modus operandi which I feel flies in the face of all good judgment (not to mention James 3:14-17). On the other hand, we have what could be called the “Activist” mentality – the “preach the gospel, and when necessary, use words. But really, try not to use words because we don’t want to offend people” mindset, which would leave Paul turning over in his grave according to his words penned in Romans 10:14. We in modern Christendom have now developed two vastly different methods in both practice and approach, both seeking and espousing to be “God-honoring” and Jesus centered. JonLash.com is a musician. And a teacher. And a poet. And an aspiring (but presently broke) philanthropist.

While traveling, I was able to encounter many phenomenal organizations, doing truly great humanitarian work. Many of these groups were even founded by Christians, as outposts to tangibly share God’s love to a hurting world. The problem is, if you have truly decided to be a Jesus-follower, and take His Word as the Truth, what do you do with John 8:34 where Jesus states, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” What good is it if we liberate people from their spiritual slavery, but leave them “destitute and in need” of the daily requirements necessary for human life? James makes it clear that this “faith” is dead. However, in the same vein, what good is it if we liberate people from their physical oppression – providing clean water, food, clothing, suitable housing, etc, and yet neglect to offer them the gospel which can liberate their soul? In a sense, we have only dealt with the physical slavery (bondage, oppression), while neglecting the deeper and more pervasive spiritual slavery – a bondage to sin. www.saltymagazine.com

Basically my point is this: justice without Jesus is only partial liberation. As followers of Jesus, to be truly “holistic” (as has become such a buzzword for the justice community), we must deal with BOTH components of one’s bondage – the physical and the spiritual. To do simply one, or simply the other is to liberate only part of the person, which in the end is no liberation at all. To go too far to one side or the other is simply a pendulum swing overreaction that must be corrected. What Jesus is calling us to is a radical middle – a merging of both approaches justice on the inside, and the outside. Will you join Him?

Music 9

CHRIS LEE THE MEDICINE By Imade Borha

About the Author ImadeiNTruth.com highlights random soul music finds from a Jesus lover. Refreshingly witty. Redemptively honest.

usically, when I think of the word “authenticity” I imagine a melancholy singer passionately strumming a guitar in a rundown coffeehouse. As Facebook administrator (in my head) of the “I do bible devotions to Lauryn Hill’s Peace of Mind” group, I was initially skeptic that music can be both pop and genuine.

With Chris Lee Cobbin’s “The Medicine” EP, he proves that authenticity is not a musical genre, but a posture of the heart that cries out to God in every aspect of life. This Kansas City raised singer, songwriter, and producer is more than the hook guy that sang on Lecrae’s “Release Date” or Trip Lee’s “Life 101”. “The Medicine”

shows the full breadth of Chris’ talents as a soulful vocalist that needs no auto-tune or squall ministry for it to shine. As a songwriter and producer, Chris knows how to develop concept albums with a consistent biblical theme. “The Medicine” tells a story of the sickness of man’s heart stemming from our human nature to disobey the Lover of our souls. Chris reminds us that the only hope to deliver us from a self-destructive life is placing our faith in Jesus and receiving “the medicine” of God’s forgiveness and acceptance. The EP starts with the up-beat leading single “All About You”, featuring newly signed Reach Records artist Pro. This is a smart move by Chris, since this song attracts Christian Hip Hop listeners and sets the tone that he sings solely for the glory of God. My personal favorite on the EP is “Play With My Heart”. Chris sings about the hypnosis of sin over an equally hypnotic dance beat. In “Play With My Heart”, his parable approach to songwriting attracts unbelievers to search for deeper meaning while providing believers with practical biblical lessons. Chris also knows how to slow things down with standout mid-tempo tracks like “Chase Me Down” and “Round of Applause”. Both of these songs exhibit Chris’ talent for crafting beautiful vocal arrangements. Throughout the entire EP, Chris selflessly uses the EPIC production touch of CheeseBeats as a vehicle to proclaim the gospel. There’s no “Crank Dat Jesus” here. Chris doesn’t use a silly dance or a mindless catch phrase to get people’s attention. Chris simply promotes the gospel of Jesus Christ. By placing his identity in Jesus and not his music, Chris Lee Cobbins brings the breath of fresh air that is “The Medicine”. This is definitely a recommended EP. www.saltymagazine.com

Fashion

jesuscouture.tumblr.com

O MODESTY About the Author JesusCouture.com is a fashion company that enjoys sharing the fun of being fashionable and chic while passionately loving Jesus!

By JesusCouture.com

Modesty, modesty, wherefore art thou, modesty? To be honest, the first thought that comes to our minds with this word is…BLAH! But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Let’s put the steareotypes behind us and show the world that Jesus and fashion, well ... they can go together. It might sound as faux-pas as “No white after Labor Day,” but just as that has become a DON’T of the past, we at Jesus Couture are determined that Christians too can be fashion forward. Jesus Couture is for the girl’s girl who loves all things fashion and glam. Those of us who understand the excitement that flipping through the glossy pages September’s fashion issue brings; the ones who hold onto the magical memories of walking around the house in mom’s high heels and just wishing they fit! We understand the way shoes can make an outfit and how looking beautiful and staying fit brings the best you forward. www.saltymagazine.com

Behind the pages of Jesus Couture are women who hope to share with you, not only their love of everything from the latest Seven Jeans to MAC lip gloss and everything in-between, but also their passion for JESUS! Although we don’t want to strive for worldly happiness through our appearance, God does want us to look and feel our best. So why not show this world that we represent the Most High King? We are here to show you how to mix modesty with fashion and style. How low can you go with your shirt? What’s the cut-off on the length of shorts or a dress? If you look in the mirror and have to think twice about whether you are modest or not CHANGE! Are you a bohemian princess, a rock’n roller, or maybe a classic fashionista? Find out your style and how to represent who you are and whose you are with our fashion tips! In 1 Peter 2:9 God proclaims us as HIS ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. So we say…go ahead…ROCK YOUR ROYALTY! Love,

Couture

Relationship 11

Should I Be

SINGLE? From YourHeartShape.com

About the Author Tandeace Hairston is the founder of HeartShape Relationship Advocacy, and has been writing for relationship, family and education publications since 1994.

nowing the answer to this question promotes a healthy emotional heart--not knowing then, increases the possibility of heartache. No matter the case, an answer is available and accessible. Based on a few factors, it’s usually simple to tell who’s better off single (at least for a season), and it has to do with knowing what qualifies someone as appropriate dating material, as well as the skill to recognize and handle the red flags that typically show up when dating.

1. Examine your relationship with God. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 makes it clear that wholeness depends on first having time with God to build that relationship before any other. Until you’ve found yourself in Him there’s no need to go looking for anyone else. It’s no telling how long that takes, but know

that if you’re impatient about it you’ve missed the point of single-hood (even further evidence you’re not prepared to go past that phase). 2. Get honest with yourself about why you do or don’t want to live the single life. If it’s based on anything dealing with fear or anxiety about being alone you need more time to develop your sense of security—a trait that only results from having grown into a whole person. Keep Philippians 4:6 in mind if this is something you struggle with. 3. Decide if you’re equipped in at least three basic areas: (1) spiritual, (2) personal and (3) financial maturity. If you’re unsure and those closest to you can’t tell, you probably haven’t developed into appropriate dating material yet. For instance, it’s not time for a man to go on a date with a woman when he can’t afford to pay for the date(s). Likewise, it’s not time for a woman to discover whether a man is suitable household-head material when she hasn’t first accepted and exemplified God (in Christ) as the head of her life. Luke 14:28 makes that principle plain. 4. Recognize your struggles. If intense sexual temptation is one of them, stay far from the dating life until it’s no longer a consuming struggle. Otherwise, you’re bound to end up in compromising positions that rarely result well. 1 Corinthians 6:18 goes into detail about the importance of understanding the standards associated with a sexually-pure lifestyle. Other areas include the inability to get a hold on abusive, physical and violent behavior; it’s never fair to subject someone else to those problem areas and it’s your responsibility to get professional help so that doesn’t happen.

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Interview

Artist Interview

BUTTA P FROM RHEMA SOUL By Marsha Saintvil

M: So what is your testimony? B: I grew up in a Christian home. About sixteen/seventeen, I was curious about what it was like outside of the church. Hit rock bottom at one point, ended up going to a retreat where I gave my life to the Lord. M: What would you say is the importance of purity for young men and women? B: Well I will be saying this from a female perspective, of course. I didn’t, unfortunately, save myself for marriage. So a lot of that stems from a search of approval. It’s like you’re searching for something and don’t know what it is. So we speak to young people and we try to encourage that, its biblical, that for young girls we are emotional creatures and that it’s very easy for us to fall in love and to attach yourself to a guy; and that you’re leaving bits and pieces of yourself with each guy -- and the person you’re supposed to be with, you won’t have much to give them if you give a piece to everyone else. So yeah, I’m big on sharing it with young girls about guarding your heart M: How would you say purity has helped you in your marriage, now that you are married? B: Like I said, I unfortunately didn’t save myself for marriage, but you know the thing is that when I met my husband, it was a good conversation to kind of share with him about my past. He didn’t know who I was and he was willing to accept me for who I was… that is what truly meant a lot to me. M: What message was Rhema Soul trying to convey through the music video, Fly Away?

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B: Well that video , that was pretty much a personal testimony about stuff that we have gone through, stuff that people are going through. And we want to share that with people, and that’s what we’re kinda known for, about being real. We just want to let people know, that there are things that people -Christian or not - are going through, cause it’s more of a global issue more than it is a Christian issue, and that’s what we want people to take away from that. It’s not something we wanted to address in the church or people in the church. It’s something we definitely wanted to get across the board.

M: What would your message be to like, young girls and guys in Christ who are trying to live pure right now? B: I would just say be true to yourself. I think that would be the most important thing, be true to yourself. Be true to who you are. Just stick to your convictions and everything else will work itself out. You know, once you start compromising on your convictions unfortunately, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how a lot of people fall into these traps. If you stick to your guts and what you believe in and what you truly stay firm on, then everything else will work itself out. www.saltymagazine.com

Web Finds

ANTHEM STRATEGIES FOR FIGHTING LUST From DesiringGod.com

have in mind men and women. For men it’s obvious. The need for warfare against the bombardment of visual temptation to fixate on sexual images is urgent. For women it is less obvious, but just as great if we broaden the scope of temptation to food or figure or relational fantasies. When I say “lust” I mean the realm of thought, imagination, and desire that leads to sexual misconduct. So here is one set of strategies in the war against wrong desires. I put it in the form of an acronym, A N T H E M. A – AVOID as much as is possible and reasonable the sights and situations that arouse unfitting desire. I say “possible and reasonable” because some exposure to temptation is inevitable. And I say “unfitting desire” because not all desires for sex, food, and family are bad. We know when they are unfitting and unhelpful and on their way to becoming enslaving. We know our weaknesses and what triggers them. “Avoiding” is a Biblical strategy. “Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness” (2 Timothy 2:22). “Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Romans 13:14). N – Say NO to every lustful thought within five seconds. And say it with the authority of Jesus Christ. “In the name of Jesus, NO!” You don’t have much more than five seconds. Give it more unopposed time than that, and it will lodge itself with such force as to be almost immovable. Say it out loud if you dare. Be tough and warlike. As John Owen said, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” Strike fast and strike hard. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” ( James 4:7). T – TURN the mind forcefully toward Christ as a superior satisfaction. Saying “no” will not suffice. You must move from defense to offense. Fight fire with fire. Attack the promises of sin with the promises of Christ. The Bible calls lusts “deceitful desires” (Ephesians 4:22). They lie. They promise more than they can deliver. The Bible calls them “passions of your former ignorance” (1 Peter 1:14). Only fools yield. “All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter” (Proverbs 7:22). Deceit is defeated by truth. Ignorance is defeated by knowledge. It must be glorious truth and beautiful knowledge. This is why I wrote Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ. We must stock our minds with the superior promises and pleasures of Jesus. Then we must turn to them immediately after saying, “NO!”

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H – HOLD the promise and the pleasure of Christ firmly in your mind until it pushes the other images out. “Fix your eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1). Here is where many fail. They give in too soon. They say, “I tried to push it out, and it didn’t work.” I ask, “How long did you try?” How hard did you exert your mind? The mind is a muscle. You can flex it with vehemence. Take the kingdom violently (Matthew 11:12). Be brutal. Hold the promise of Christ before your eyes. Hold it. Hold it! Don’t let it go! Keep holding it! How long? As long as it takes. Fight! For Christ’s sake, fight till you win! If an electric garage door were about to crush your child you would hold it up with all our might and holler for help, and hold it and hold it and hold it and hold it. E – ENJOY a superior satisfaction. Cultivate the capacities for pleasure in Christ. One reason lust reigns in so many is that Christ has so little appeal. We default to deceit because we have little delight in Christ. Don’t say, “That’s just not me.” What steps have you taken to waken affection for Jesus? Have you fought for joy? Don’t be fatalistic. You were created to treasure Christ with all your heart – more than you treasure sex or sugar. If you have little taste for Jesus, competing pleasures will triumph. Plead with God for the satisfaction you don’t have: “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14). Then look, look, look at the most magnificent Person in the universe until you see him the way he is. M – MOVE into a useful activity away from idleness and other vulnerable behaviors. Lust grows fast in the garden of leisure. Find a good work to do, and do it with all your might. “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11). “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Abound in work. Get up and do something. Sweep a room. Hammer a nail. Write a letter. Fix a faucet. And do it for Jesus’ sake. You were made to manage and create. Christ died to make you “zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14). Displace deceitful lusts with a passion for good deeds. Fighting at your side,

Pastor John Piper

15 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF AND PARTNER BEFORE CONSIDERING DATING OR MARRIAGE

1) Theology.

The Bible: is it 100% God’s word & His only word? Jesus: is He God in the flesh & did He die for the sins of the world & rise on the 3rd day. Salvation: is it only by grace through faith in what Jesus accomplished, not of any human work/effort?

2) Are you a Christian? If so why did you become one, how did you become one and when did you become one? How do you know you really are in the faith now ? Please support your answer with Scriptures. 3) Would the last person you dated say that they are a better Christian after having dated you? 4) Are you willing to sit down with the ministers at my church so they can talk with you about your spiritual maturity and what your intentions are with me before we go any further in our friendship/relationship? 5) Would the last person you were involved with recommend other individuals - that need direction, leadership and spiritual strengthening - to get involved with you? Why or why not, and could they be called to verify your answer? 6) If we were in a relationship, how would you be able to tell if I began idolizing our relationship over God, and what would you do to help me get back on track? 7) If we got together, what things would you do to ensure physical purity in our relationship? 8) If I wanted to pursue a 100% hands off relationship that includes no kissing, hugging, holding hands or massages, to ensure purity and focus - how would you feel about that?

9) Could you guarantee that I will spiritually mature and grow because I entered in to a relationship with you? If yes, how do you know? If no, then why should I be with you? 10) If one morning I woke up and was no longer cute, my hair fell out, and my teeth weren’t straight, would this be a challenge for you? How would you deal with it and would you still be interested in me? 11) What areas in my life do you see I need to grow and mature in and how could you build me up in those areas? 12) If you and I were to enter into a relationship, what would be the spiritual goal/purpose of what you would expect us, those around us, and God to get out of it? And have you fulfilled this goal in past relationships? How do you know you will fulfill that goal with me if we get together? 13) If we got together would you be okay with having an open relationship where we sit down with ministers from my church every month and give an account of how our relationship is going, along with answering any personal or spiritual questions they may have for us? The questions will deal with our purity, spiritual growth, example, and over all progress. 14) What is God’s purpose in dating, and marriage? Please support your answers with the Bible. 15) Do you have a history of getting with people primarily because you get lonely, the person is attractive, or other reasons that are not godly? Are there others that can verify your answer?

From Pastor Justin Cox of the Passion for Christ Movement – www.p4cm.com

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other... - Galations 5:16-17

Testimony

MY RESCUE

From Sex Addiction By Morgan McCoy

t is true what they say about women. We have the ability to hide things very well. We cover things with a smile and cloak ourselves in feminine etiquette so you may never know our true thoughts. The world would have you believe that at all times a lady is a lady in deed, manner, speech and in thought. They call us flowers for our beauty and delicacy, but never stop to think about their meaning or their thorns. Only the male gender salivates at a computer screen imagining things so vividly he can almost touch them. Only guys throw away their virginity at the slightest touch. To think that guys are the only ones plagued by their flesh, daily, hourly, within the second is foolish to say the least. Women are struck just as hard by the devil’s devious tactics and our own flesh workings. I dare say we may have it worse; because not only are we stricken

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with the corruption of our eyes and hands, our hearts tend to follow our sight and touch. I was that girl. The harlot, the whoremonger, the rose on her way to hell and she didn’t even know it! I don’t remember when lust began to take over my life. It seeped in and began its saturation before I was even allowed to date. Way before I had my first kiss I knew myself. Nobody ever told me it was wrong but I knew it was not “normal” or morally acceptable so I told no one and deluded myself into thinking, “Well, it’s better than having sex.” But it wasn’t. I was only planting seeds of lust, which would sprout and cause more chaos than I could ever imagine. By the time I was 16, I craved attention in any way I could receive it. My father had passed away 2 years prior and I longed

19 for something to fill the gaping hole in my chest. The late nights in the dark I spent with myself were no longer enough. My thoughts needed to materialize outside of myself to curb the hunger. Then he came along. We had been together no more than two weeks when I professed love to him - way before I knew what or rather who Love was. Not too long after, we lost ourselves to each other in a bathroom stall. I told myself it was okay, because I was doing these things with the man I “loved.”

My grandmother taught me what sin was when I was a little girl. But I didn’t totally grasp it until I was 21. I started going to church faithfully with a friend. Through him I found the truth I was missing in my faith. I was baptized in Jesus’ name and received the Holy Ghost, yet I still found myself unable to tame my flesh. I was seeing some one and thought that this relationship was much different than all the others. This was “God” ordained. But no matter how much God loves you, he still hates sin! We fought our flesh weakly and the day we lost I cried harder than I had ever cried before. He told me not to beat myself up about it. That it would never happen again. But wouldn’t it? I told God I was done with that life. I thought to myself, “Here I am once again hiding behind my flower exterior, but I am the same harlot I was when I was 16.”

“

There is a big difference in knowing that He can , and believing that He will .

“

Three pregnancy scares, a possible cancer diagnosis, one cheating boyfriend and a lost count of how many lovers later I found myself at rock bottom. I was failing school, addicted to porn and wasting away. The shame I lost somewhere between 19 and 20 began to find itself back in my heart. What was I doing? Why could I not stop? I would wake up in the middle of the night because my dreams even consisted of sex. I could not turn my computer on without searching the unmentionables. It was everywhere! In the things I watched, the books I read, the conversations I held. It literally consumed my entire life. I was covered in sin from head to toe.

The following month, the “prophesied” union had been shattered and disproved. I once again found myself at the altar on my face. I had come there many times before, pouring what I thought was all of my heart out to God, but this time was different. The day before I was about ready to let go of all that I loved to hide from the pain of what I thought I had lost. That day I realized that there was only one remedy for my ailment. I had to trust God! Not trust in God but TRUST God! There is a big difference in knowing that He can and believing that He will. He was and is the ONLY thing that could ever fill the scathing gash in my heart that I picked at all these years. I had to surrender completely to Him; submit myself in every facet of my life. It wasn’t enough to claim Him to be my Lord; He must also become my Jehovah Jireh. I could no longer seek out things on my own. I could not fight the temptation of my flesh alone. I had to forgive myself before He could love me like He wanted to. At that altar I lost myself and found Him. I was born of Adam’s rib and I was once devoured by the same temptation the world thinks is man’s alone. But am I not man? Am I not of his bone? I no longer am! I am not my own. I once was a withering rose, tattered and bruised. Now I am a sunflower: beaming, standing tall, forgiven and always leaning toward the light.

By Morgan McCoy www.saltymagazine.com

LUST LUST LOVE LOVE 20

By WithoutJesusISuck.com

LOTION LOTION About the Author Maurice Hicks is the CEO of WithoutJesusIsuck. com and has a passion to get people excited about sharing their faith in boldness and authority.

od utterly hates the fact that people whom profess the faith are major supporters of the pornographic industry. It’s crazy how modern technology has provided us easy access to the lust of our hearts and the wickedness of our minds. Now you can easily live out your craziest fantasies in the comfort of your home. And best of all, nobody will ever know! YAAAY!

Sorry to burst your bubble, but somebody does know what you did. That somebody just happens to be the most powerful being that ever exists. God saw you when you had that action-packed, unromantic night with a bottle of Jergens, the lust of your heart and the wickedness of your mind.

It’s time to wake up and realize that you didn’t get away scotchfree. It affected every aspect of your life! It affects the way you view the sacredness of sex, the way you view men and women, and even opens up the gateway to homosexuality and many other kinds of perversion. It’s time to wake up and expose the sin in your life. Find an accountability partner that you trust. Get help! I’m with you – I too need help. Without my accountability partners, I would be knee-deep also. GET HELP. God loves you so much, and His word promises us that there is always a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). He loves you so much that He gives you the power to say NO to all manner of sin (Titus 2:12). Stand like a man (or woman) and never lose like a punk again! CHEAH CHEAH! (real gangster- like ending) Sincerely,

Uncle Reece www.saltymagazine.com

ABSTINENCE ONE SIZE FITS ALL By Suzanne Delica

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o you have a big ego and that’s why she loves to sing about you. It’s glorified that you allow your pants to hang low and you wear a size 12. Oh, and how can I forget your irresistible swag, razor sharp tape, super fast car, tight glutes and defined abs, boyish smile, bad boy edge, athletic build, preppy boy style, model-worthy hair, baby blue eyes, …omg, the list goes on because you’re that good looking and your arrogance makes all the girls want to come out and play. But, if you don’t relate to these superficial things, you may think you’re in better condition because you are self-righteous, been saved for a year now, go to church and even lead a small group, feed the homeless, and serve at revivals on the weekends. However, there is one thing (or a few things rather) that you and your alter ego have in common: you both are addicted to porn, fantasize about the raunchiest, sexually immoral things, participate in casual sex (whether occasionally with a “girlfriend” or on the regular), and both believe in God. I definitely think there is something wrong with this picture and I hope you do also?! I would be lying to you, and you would be in denial if we concurred that men are sexual beings and cannot help being so visual or explicit; or that it is Eve’s fault and girls today make it too hard to stay pure in thought and action. If I am not mistaken, both Adam and Eve fell short in the Garden of Eden. And yes, some girls today do not understand modesty, but as a follower of Jesus we are called to guard our hearts and to flee from sin. So from now on, I encourage you to pray, fast, die to your flesh, ask God for strength, and move forward towards the goal of purity and integrity (Philippians 3:1216). Except, the encouragement doesn’t stop there; I would like for you to really understand one more thing, something I know you will appreciate. Introducing, the “best sex you’ll ever have,” purity offers more than a sound mind or protection from STDs and AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, psychological/emotional damage, ungodly attachments, derailment of divine purpose and unnecessary ‘drama’ in your life, or a deeper relationship with your Father. With purity, you don’t have to feel self-conscious because you don’t have to prove your manhood, or measure up to worldly expectations. Unlike a Magnum, it’s one size fits all with no strings attached, nor performance anxiety necessary. Purity endorses a lifestyle that is always 100% effective.

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And at that very moment, you will be prepared to pray for her, the harlot, and not prey on her.

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24 Similar to girls offering their husbands their virginity and sanctification, you also have a gift to offer your wife on the night you consecrate your marriage—your integrity. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1-2, NKJV). To know that you waited patiently and diligently, abstaining from sexual immorality in a world where sex dictates everything, your wife will be honored and your marriage will be blessed (1 Corinthians 7:1-5). The most enduring part of you pursuing purity, is the perk that comes with the thrill of this chase: A virtuous woman for you (Proverbs 31:10-31)! “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22, ESV). But wait! I must forewarn you, not in fear, but in light of realism - everything that comes from above is perfect ( James 1:17) and comes with a price of crucifying fleshly desires and passions. There will be a defining moment that arises where you will have to reveal which god you serve. God will be on your side and you will be equipped with His armor (the breastplate of righteousness and a helmet of the hope of salvation); but

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There will be a defining moment that arises where you will have to reveal which god you serve.

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your enemy will use your soft spot, your divine love for your ezer kenegdo against you. He will have her come to you with a flattering tongue of seduction, a wretched but undeniable beauty, eyelids that will allure you, and an unforgettable red dress signifying death and guilt (Proverbs 6:20-35). And at that very moment, you will be prepared to pray for her, the harlot, and not prey on her. At that moment, Wisdom will remind you that Purity is in your grasp (Proverbs 8:12-36), and your God did not die in vain but for this very moment. You will remember that a generation is dependent on your every move. Your heart will be so hidden in God because your wife’s heart is first hidden in Him and that’s where you must seek her. This moment has been, is, and will be defined with victory of the blood of Jesus. And you will be like Elisha, watching the fiery chariots blazing out of the sky to claim what is yours to keep, and yours to offer to that one—your integrity. I believe in you my brother! God speed and God willing, you are a conqueror in the name of Jesus. And that surpasses 30 seconds of fleeting pleasure otherwise called an orgasm! Blessed are you!

PURITY

NOT A PROCESS BUT A PERSON By Ben Billman

About the Author Ben Billman loves the Lord and enjoys proclaiming the freedom and grace that was purchased for us on the cross through Christ Jesus.

ontrary to popular opinion and thought in even many “Christian” circles, purity is not a process. It is not a state of being obtained by vigorous effort and lots of discipline. Purity is a Person. Every good thing can be found in the Person of Jesus Christ; and the whole essence of the joyful message of our God is that you are in perfect union with Christ - which means you are 100% pure for all of eternity as a gift. You are in the creamy center of Heaven’s Twinkie and there is no way out!

This glorious message of our purity is found in the revelation that the old sinful, impure, and unloving person that you used to be was strung up with Christ on His cross, and that person does not even exist anymore! “Understand this: our old inherited self was crucified with Him, so that the material with which sin had to operate might be put out of action. Consequently, we are no longer in bondage to sin: once a man has died, he is acquitted of the claims of sin upon him” Romans 6: 6-7. Paul goes on to exhort the believers to present their body parts as tools of righteousness to God. The problem is many believers still think they are evil in some way. They are presenting themselves as unredeemed, sinful people to God and, therefore, have a hard time acting pure because they believe they are still impure. I encourage you today, depart from the fallacy that you still have a sinful nature, and start believing the gospel that Christ circumcised your sinful nature once-and-for-all on the cross. He did away with the impure you and there’s nothing left for all of eternity but a perfect, holy, pure, and spotless new creation! You will find that the rules (the law) always will condemn you and call you impure. The whole purpose of the rules were to show us that we need Christ’s holiness and purity as a gift imparted, and not a process worked for. The gospel is, you are no longer under the accusing voice of the law – you are under grace (undeserved, unmerited, unearned favor) The whole purpose and you do not have to get tripped up on what you do of the rules were and don’t do (a whole bunch of stinky do-do). Rather get to show us that we tripped up on what Christ has already done. Simply trust in the cross which has made you pure forever. That is effortless and glorious purity. Your actions always line up with what you believe, so if you believe you’re a sinner you will act like one. But, if you believe you are pure and perfect, you will live like a son of God. Boom shakalaka!

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need Christ’s holiness and purity as a gift imparted, and not a process worked for.

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The longer I walk with Jesus, the simpler my testimony seems to get. I would be more than happy to tell you about it if you ask, but it boils down to the fact that I hated Jesus and I hated life. Then I found Jesus and I found life. Nothing the world has to offer can compare with Him. I forget sometimes and wander but then remember why I came to him in the first place. Ultimately though, I desire to please him and can never again be fulfilled with anything else... - Nate Coker

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.â&#x20AC;? -Job 31:1

THE BEAUTY ISSUE : :"COMING SOON