Theology of the Body & The Ethos of Redemption

Here are some summary reflections from the portion of Christopher West’s Theology of the Body Explained dealing with “Historical Man”:

Christ’s words, which equate “looking lustfully” with “committing adultery in the heart,” announce the ”ethos of redemption”.

Fulfilling the law cannot be equated only with meeting the law’s demands. It involves a super-abounding justice in man’s [...]

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Inadequate – But Not Inactive

But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem was going forward and the gaps were beginning to be closed, they were very angry, and all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause confusion in it. So [...]

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SALT Meeting – Fences & Fire Drills

HAIL TO THE SALT BRIGADE!
Today’s meeting of the SALT Brigade was short but powerful.
As usual, we opened the meeting with prayer and moved straight into check-ins. For our check-ins we follow the F-I-N-S format: Feelings, Issues, Needs, Sobriety (Purity). This week featured one brother who was really struggling, one who had a [...]

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SALT – The Four-Step Fire Drill

One of the tools we have been given in our Purity Platoon is the Four-Step Fire Drill — steps to take when we are confronted with sexual temptation:
STEP 1: SPEAK ALOUD
Speak aloud these words. “I will not sacrifice my purity no matter what! I will not sacrifice my purity for [name the temptation].”
STEP [...]

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Anatomy of a Slip

One week ago today I took a stumble off the path of purity. There I was, peacefully minding my own business when I was taken unaware. I took the bait of a second glance and the trap was sprung. Before I knew what hit me, I had slipped.
So how did it happen?
None [...]

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Spatial Disorientation (Re-Post)

DIARY OF AN ADDICT:
SPATIAL DISORIENTATION

As an addict I am constantly being reminded to trust and use the tools of recovery:
“Work the steps”
“Make calls”
“Attend meetings regularly”
“Third-Step Prayer”
“Daily inventory”
Sometimes these reminders are frustrating. Why do I have to keep working the steps? Why should I make phone calls when everything is ok? Why does [...]

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SALT Brigade – Full Disclosure

We had our weekly SALT meeting today. I was not looking forward to the meeting because I have really been struggling lately. I acted out last week on Monday and Tuesday, and then I browsed internet pornography again yesterday.
After six months of purity from participating in “Every Man’s Battle,” I wanted to take [...]

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Call to Battle: It’s Time!

God is waiting to bless you.

Your wife needs you to step up.

Your kids need you to break generational sin.

Your church needs you to serve.

Do you agree it’s time?
Good. Let’s put together a battle plan. The landing-craft ramps are falling open, and it’s time to hit the beach.
+ Every Man’s Battle, 101

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The Battle for the Dignity of Our Person

Man is capable of experiencing his own dignity. He does so precisely when he exercises his freedom to choose the good, true, and beautiful. When someone acts against lust rather than allowing lust to act against him, he activates his self-determination and, hence, “what is essentially personal in him.”
This is the battle [...]

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The Bridegroom Comes to Redeem Us

“Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame.
Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.
You will forget the shame of your youth
and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.
For your Maker is your husband—
the LORD Almighty is his name—
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
he is called the God of [...]

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