Here are ways to AVOID sexual temptations:

DO keep visual reminders of your marriage contract. Always wear your wedding ring when in public. Keep pictures of your spouse in your wallet, in your workplace, etc. When you placed that ring on your mate’s finger, you promised your heart, affections, loyalty, and faithfulness until death!

DON’T be overconfident (1 Corinthians 10:12). Recognize your weak points. One is vulnerable after a major letdown or major success. Those who are depressed or having marital problems can easily fall into illicit relationships.

DO avoid flirty people. If a flirtatious woman or man is in the break room—go elsewhere! A wise person avoids evil (Proverbs 22:3).

DON’T send mixed messages. Avoid prolonged stares, lingering touches, or joking that may be construed as flirting.

DO be on guard when out of your normal routine (1 Peter 5:8). Business trips, vacations, new jobs, new memberships at gyms, sports teams, etc. When away overnight, call home and talk to your spouse and children. Block out the TV sex channels — or leave it off altogether.

DON’T let friendships cross the line. Never do anything when your mate is absent that you would not do in his/her presence. If things are heading towards adultery, it is important to put emotional and physical distance between this person — right now! Avoid them!

DO be aware of the power that immodest dress has on you. Don’t pick up the magazine; don’t click the web link; sit with your back toward indecently dressed women in a restaurant of office. Don’t wear a garment that sends a message you don’t want received.

DON’T let a person of the opposite sex confide in you about their marriage problems and don’t confide in them about yours. Getting emotionally involved is one of the first steps leading to an affair.

DO take drastic action if a line has been crossed. Quit a hobby, change jobs, break a friendship, change congregations, move to a new city to completely avoid seeing this person! Your marriage is more valuable than all of these things!

Celebrate your 25th or 50th anniversaries,
you’ll be glad you kept your vows.

Adapted from The Gospel Gleaner

Since the dawn of creation atheism and godlessness have tried to win the unsuspecting hearts of men, women, and children. It should not surprise us to learn that the forces of evil continue to disguise themselves as something good, in an attempt to plant seeds of doubt and lead us away from our Maker. Paul warned, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works" (2 Corinthians 11: 13-15).

Here is a warning for all Christians and especially parents. A new movie, The Golden Compass, will be released December 7, just in time for the long holiday vacation when kids will be going to the theaters in even greater numbers than usual. It is already being advertised on television and other media. This film has many big name actors and slick special effects, which is sure to draw the targeted crowd of young people. So what is the warning? The Golden Compass has the potential of being detrimental to one’s understanding of the truth about God, the Scriptures, the church, and Christian living.

The movie is based on the first book of a series, His Dark Materials, written by English atheist Philip Pullman. According to a BBC News report, Pullman's book trilogy is the story of "a battle against the church and a fight to overthrow God." The Guardian, a British newspaper, describe the books as "metaphysical fantasies encompassing parallel worlds, the death of God and the fall of man." Although many see underlying parallels to the Catholic church (which abuses and errors we too would oppose) the message of Pullman’s writings criticize all organized Christian religion as oppressive and controlling. Pullman portrays God as a merciless tyrant, the Christian heaven as a lie, rebelling against religion as a good thing, and dead souls in a hell-like world are rescued from their torment.

We need to be informed and teach our children to do the same! "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). We need not be afraid of the forces of evil, but "...be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:10-12). — Chris Steele

For love of self,
or love of lost souls?

For spreading gossip,
or spreading the gospel?

For rudderless drifting,
or strong leadership?

For low ideals, or lofty goals?

For knowledge of the world,
or knowledge of the Word?

For financial limitations,
or generous giving?

For comatose Christians,
or active members?

For selfish pursuits,
or selfless serving?

For internal strife,
or brotherly love?

For cold shoulders,
or warm fellowship?

For living below God’s expectations, or living above the world?

For helping itself,
or for helping the needy?

For innovations in worship, or spiritual and true worship?

For the praise of men,
or for glorifying God?

For stagnation, or vibrancy?

For what will the church be known? Actually, the question is, for what will you be known? Because you are a member of this church, the church will be known for the things that you are!

— Adapted —